As a Civil rights leader, he led many peaceful marches and fought with words against prejudice, segregation and racism. His most famous words are recorded in the "I have a Dream speech."
In this speech he speaks about a future with unity, equality, peace and harmony among all Americans. Some of that dream has been realized, but we still have a long way to go.
Being a strong public leader, he was not immune to controversy. The FBI kept an eye on him not only because of his massive marches, but because of alleged ties to communist groups. As suspicion surrounded him, so did allegations of adultery. King was rumored to have an "addiction to women," particularly Caucasian ones. He was also accused in a book of using his denomination's donations to pay for prostitutes and other vices. In the 1980s a study of his dissertation found that Dr. King had plagiarized someone else's work.
Despite all this, his image still remains strong. King was assassinated. However his death would not bring an end to Civil rights. Segregation is now a thing of the past. Before, there were separate water fountains, separate schools for whites and blacks. Blacks even had to sit in the back of the bus or give up their seat to white people. Today that is all gone. Many African Americans have risen the ladder of success and in 2008 the first African American President was elected.
Last year a large memorial was opened in Washington D.C. He will forever be remembered as a great American along with Presidents Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Jefferson.
Though not Catholic, Dr. King was instrumental in bringing Civil rights to African Americans and other minorities who reside in the United States of America. He was not a perfect man, nevertheless, his personal weaknesses cannot rob him of the great work he did in the name of justice, unity, and equality for all.
May Dr. King's dream be realized fully soon. May we all realize that we are all God's children regardless of gender, race, or religion.
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