What Is Martin Luther King's Acceptance Speech

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On December 10, 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his acceptance speech upon being presented The Nobel Peace Prize. King discusses what many will not; he is gutsy in stating that this festivity does not pertain to him or his brothers. Also, he states how The Nobel Prize is not representing its compelling essence of peace and brotherhood. His main message within his speech is that there are three issues that need to be addressed racial injustice, poverty, and war. His purpose is to demonstrate the hope within him that one-day peace and brotherhood can become a reality. Martin Luther King Jr. accepts the Nobel Peace Prize in an elegant manner while demonstrating the hypocrisy when injustice and danger to establish a reign of freedom has yet to be successful. Martin Luther King Jr. accepts The Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the civil rights movement that is still in motion, in pursuit of freedom and justice. King accepts the award on behalf of his brothers who have suffered a torturous road. However, King questions the award given to him. He realizes the hypocrisy within receiving The Nobel Peace Prize. He states "…a movement which has not won the very peace and brotherhood which is the essence of The Nobel Peace Prize” (King). The reign of freedom continues so why is such festivity occurring? Why should he accept a prize for a movement he has begun but not yet accomplished? …show more content…

However, there is hope within him that one day this movement will be triumphant. He says “I believe that even amid today’s mortar bursts and whining bullets, there is still hope for a brighter tomorrow” (King). He refuses to accept this is all a nation can be. He says “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war…” (King). King believes they will overcome this and faith will provide them with the necessary courage to continue towards

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