The following excerpt explains why I look up to this hero; Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. "A Man Who Shaped the World" A Hero
Martin Luther King Jr. was born a hero on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta Georgia with a future of revolutionizing the world in every way possible. In fact, this figure was born Michael King Jr. at birth after his father but would later change the name to Martin Luther at the age of 5. King was a child of three, being the middle child with an older sister and a younger brother.
In teenage years, King was an exceptional student skipping two years of high school and later moving on to Boston University where he would graduate in 1955 with a PhD in theology. During his time at Boston University, King was the pastor of the Dexter Avenue Church located in Alabama.
Unfortunately, during these times, African Americans were completely discriminated against. While many simply observed the harsh treatment they endured; King had other plans.
King believed in doing the correct thing without violence. King protested for the rights of black people while not giving in to violent methods to achieve rights for his people. Major incidents during the 1950's included widespread segregation in the United States. Water fountains, restrooms and especially buses were segregated, giving white preferential treatment. Separate buildings for whites and blacks were common in many places in the United States during these times as well. However, a move that was very controversial and would change the world was made by a woman who believed in what she thought was right. This woman's name was Rosa Parks; Parks stood for what she believed in; refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. This action caused major controversy between the two races.
It is the methods of how King would strive to achieve Independence for his people that makes him a hero in my mind. Although King suffered from violent attacks from others, he would not give in to violence as an answer to help his people. King was an inspiration to others to stand up for what they believed in. This in my mind is what makes a true hero. This was evident, as black students began to sit at segregated lunch counters; regardless if there were signs indicating they were not permitted to do so. More civil rights protests influenced by the iconic figure of Martin Luther King Jr. took place in Georgia, Alabama and other Southern areas. Due to President John F. Kennedy's lack of action upon this issue of segregation, high protests were launched in Alabama resulting in President Lyndon Johnson finally taking action and composing a civil rights bill to Congress.
It was this event that caused the action for why I have the utmost respect for Martin Luther King. It was on August 28, 1963 in the streets of Washington that over 200,000 gathered to listen to the world-renowned speech named "I Have a Dream". King had finally achieved independence for the black Americans in 1964 when the Civil Rights bill was passed by Congress, giving African Americans freedom and independence in all public areas. King was rewarded for all of his hard work with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. It is for his resilience and determination that I look up to this man as a hero.
However, King was not done yet. King was determined to achieve full independence for his people. King would later move on to accomplishing a vote for African Americans in 1965, he would achieve a better lifestyle for backs in 1966; achieving better housing, education and employment for his race. King would later focus his work on helping the poor and still helping to protect the black citizens of the US everyday.
Unfortunately, King was shot by James Earl Ray in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968 and would die as one of the most important figures in the history of the US; as a man who truly stood for what he believed in and serves as an inspiration not only to myself, but to all.
I find this man to be one of the most influential souls ever to live. I also believe this man's importance has and will continue to shape the world. The fact that this man stood up for what was right in all cases for his people and would refuse to use measures of violence is what makes him a hero in my mind.
I find this man to be important in my life today and others' lives around the world. King in my mind is important to me, as he serves as an inspiration that I can succeed and fulfill my hardest dreams; regardless of what stands in my way. King also had a great importance to the entire world; becoming an icon for the oppressed everywhere. He opened the door for future people to stand for what they believe in and to not give up, as success is possible if you believe enough in what you are fighting for. I truly do aspire to be like Martin Luther King Jr., especially during tough times when I feel I cannot succeed; but in fact my challenges are not even close to what this man suffered and endured to achieve freedom.
These are the qualities that I believe make Martin Luther King Jr. special: determination, perseverance and passion. These make a true hero in my mind.