Standing Together by Victoria

Standing Together by Victoria - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

Throughout my student career, I have learned about the lives of numerous historical figures. There is one historical figure, however, who has not only influenced one of the greatest movements in the United States of America, but has also had the greatest impact on me. This individual is the epitome of what is means to be a true activist for equality. He fought for what he believed in, while behaving in a nonviolent manner. Because Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. possessed the qualities of being a true gentleman who was a peaceful activist for the African-American Civil Rights Movement, he is the historical figure who I would choose to have dinner with.
Dr. Martin Luther King was a supporter for attending school. He earned a sociology degree from Morehouse College and attended Crozer Theological Seminary. It is apparent that Dr. King thrived in his studies and believed that all everyone has a right to pursue an education. Because I am attending college next year, I am personally moved by this. I have the opportunity to major in any field of study I am interested in, and I have the support from all my family and friends. Dr. King was an advocate for all men and women to pursue higher education, and I am thankful to him for this.
In any successful protest, violence is not the answer. Dr. Martin Luther King was able to articulate his message and refused to protest in violence. He wrote in his letter from Birmingham Jail, “In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self-purification; and direct action” (King). Clearly, Dr. King was a man who thought before he took action. This is absolutely necessary before carrying out a protest because violence is not the solution to an issue. One can recall the violence that took place in Ferguson, Missouri this past year. Thousands of people broke out in violence over the shooting of Michael Brown. Buildings were burned, windows were smashed and people were getting hurt. I believe that Dr. King would have been utterly appalled at the way those violent protesters were behaving. He would have used words instead of vandalism to argue his point. Speaking is essential in any successful protest and is necessary in keeping peace in this nation.
Dr. Martin Luther King is my idol. He not only gave a message supporting the rights for African Americans, but he also supported schooling and equality for all. I admire the courage he must have had to speak and not resort to violence. Even when people would say hurtful things or would try to prevent his campaign from occurring, Dr. King remained strong. I would want to have dinner with Dr. King to thank him for his courage and determination. It is because of him that I learned that life is not a battle or competition to get what one wants. It is, however, an opportunity to stand together as a nation of people fighting against whatever obstacles life may present.