Dinner with History by Sean

Dinner with History by Sean - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

History has brought about the rise and fall of numerous prominent figures, many of whom have had an important role in the way we conduct our lives today. Despite the seemingly vast wealth of knowledge one can attain from historical recordings, so much potentially insightful information has been lost to time itself. If I were able to have dinner with a prominent historical figure and perhaps acquire intimate knowledge that the world has yet to have learned, it would be with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. During my conversation with Dr. King, I would inquire as to what his true motivation was to participate in the Civil Rights Movement. In addition, I would ask him how he managed to continue his work in the face of so much animosity. Finally, I would thank Dr. King for his contribution to society, and for encouraging someone like me to reach my goals.
Among numerous other roles, Dr. King was a well-respected, at least in the African American community at the time, activist, humanitarian, and preacher. Having grown up in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. King experienced firsthand the hatred, violence, prejudice, and inequality brought about by racism towards African Americans. These injustices no doubt compelled Dr. King to, when he was of age to do so, do all that was within his power to fight for the equality of his people. As a leader of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King made strides towards reaching equality, as his historic events, such as infamous march in Selma, led to political action by the government, the effects of which are still felt today.
My question to Dr. King would be what pushed him into getting so heavily involved in the fight for his people’s rights. Obviously, racism was a major reason, as it affected him and his family directly. However, as many can attest to, there is a difference between wanting to make a change and actually going out and setting things in motion. The fear of what could potentially befall him and the ones he cared about if he went down this path no doubt plagued Dr. King early on. That being said, as a man of the Christian faith, Dr. King most likely would say that he felt the supernatural presence of God compelling him to move forward in his endeavor,
This leads me to what would be my next question for Dr. King. The man amassed an impressive following as the Civil Rights Movement pressed on. He also created no shortage of enemies as well, and Dr. King was on the receiving end of much opposition from those who did not appreciate him potentially starting a revolution. My question would be how Dr. King found the strength to press on in the face of so much tribulation. Dr. King suffered for his work, as he was repeatedly imprisoned, threatened, and ridiculed. It would have been easy, and even understandable if he decided to retire from him quest, especially since he had inspired others that could succeed him as the leader of the Civil Rights Movement. Like my previous question, I believe Dr. King would say that God gave him the strength to continue his fight. In addition, I believe Dr. King would say that his passion and desire to create a better world for his fellow African Americans superseded any fear of the potentially consequences to his own well-being.
Finally, I would thank Dr. King for all he has contributed toward modern society. As a young African American man myself, Dr. King’s work has directly affected me. Among other benefits, I am able to receive a quality education, vote, and seek out dreams of my own thanks to the revolution that Dr. King helped to set in motion. Perhaps I could also show Dr. King the world of which he helped to create, and then he could see exactly how far the world has come since he started his crusade.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an important historical figure of whom the world owes and incredible debt. Without him and his contributions towards society, the world would be a much uglier place. I recognize this fact and realize how fortunate I am to live in an era that can reap the rewards of Dr. King’s hard work. It is because of this that I would choose Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a historical figure to have dinner with.