Espinoza Celeste

ID# 387236
AVID
Mr. Conlon
02/13/14
A catalyst for freedom and equality
Martin luther King Jr. was a catalyst for change because he wanted freedom and equality
for everyone in the South. These particular states didnt advocate equality as many of them were
full of discrimination to those who were not white. After a while the 1964 Civil Rights Act came
into play ending discrimination in the nation's military forces and federal employment under
government contract. The 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments outlawed slavery, provided for
equal protection under the law, guaranteed citizenship, and protected the right to vote for African
Americans. Those of color especially the blacks were held back the freedoms of the white folks.
Before Martin Luther King came into play to advocate freedom and equality the colored
community came across many obstacles. One of the controversial events was a burning of a
church which took place in the state of Georgia. Also, many blacks began boycotts in order to be
heard in their community. They also wanted respect from those that were not colored, but that
didn't happen. It took a while for something big to happen. Although it took a long time King
was determined to find change for his people of color. In 1964 the Civil Rights Act took care of
the discrimination, but not equality or freedom for those of color. African American Civil
Rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X saw their hard work come to fruition
in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 1964 was the year that something was actually being done.
It was because of the boycotts and riots that Martin Luther King Jr. began to actively
defend his people of color. He was determined to seek change for the community of color. The
boycotts made they colored people stand up for what they truly believed in, they to had rights
like the white folks. King also began strikes with those of color in order to help them see that he

was truly an advocate for equality and freedom. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in
America until the negro is granted his citizenship rights. Martin Luther King began searching
for jobs for the low income blacks that had difficulty paying for expenses and supporting their
families.
King's actions led the African American community somewhere successful, they were
led somewhere in the community where they were being heard. The government became
involved at this point and In a number of cases after WWII, the federal courts began to protect
the Civil Rights of minorities in certain specific circumstances, gradually making it possible for
African Americans to participate in some activities on an equal basis with the whites. The
blacks were finally getting some rights and moving closer to what they truly desired which was
freedom and equality. Freedom and equality was very difficult to accomplish because the
government branches were not agreeing with each other. Many became frustrated until the
republicans were convinced to support a bill in which granted some rights for the African
American community.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a catalyst for change because he stood up for the colored
community fighting on their side for their rights and respect from the non colored community. In
order for King to go far with the black community they had to face some obstacles along the way
which included boycotts and burning of churches in Georgia. The boycotts and riots were the
events that led the black community to be heard. King supported his fellow negroes and helped
the less fortunate find jobs to help support their families and pay expenses. The government
became involved at some point and the Civil Rights Act came into play which somewhat
abolished discrimination towards those of color. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream to ultimately
end all harm to those of color and create peace between the colored and non colored community.

TEMPLATES
Martin Luther King Jr., in his autobiography, explains that there werent many rights
given to the African Americans. It is important for us to consider this point because we often
think that the rights of colored people were just handed to them.
In the article I have a Dream, Martin Luther King Jr., a catalyst for change mentions
that We hold truths to be self evident , that all men are equal. This is a valuable point. America
is now a nation where freedom and equality play a big role.
In the article I have a dream, Martin Luther King Jr., a catalyst for change states that
One day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. This is a valuable
point. America now lives in world peace.
In the article The 1964 Civil Rights Act, The author states that African American Civil
Rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X saw their hard work come to fruition
in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This is a valuable point. People around the world are free of
harm because of these two magnificent leaders who advocated for civil rights.