THE HISTORICAL FIGURE THAT I WISH TO HAVE A ONE-ON-ONE WITH

                                   

Reading has been my passion since I was ten years old. I liked to read story books and journals. However, as I grew up, I developed a strong passion for history. Amazingly, I got interested in historical figures. I wanted to know more about certain historical figures like Howard Carter, Yaa Asantewaa and many others. One historical figure that I really admired and I still admire is a very brave man who persevered in whatever he did. Thus, I would like to have a one on one with him. For me, he is an embodiment of true wisdom.

First and foremost, his life really amazes me. He was an American Baptist minister and activist who was a leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using non-violent civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs. He led many groups and institutions. Also, due to his good leadership skills, charisma and intelligence, he received several awards like the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through non-violent resistance, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and several others. Moreover, because of his inputs in society, a day was set aside as a holiday in many cities and states commencing in 1971, and in 1986 as a U.S federal holiday. Unfortunately, he was assassinated at 6:01pm on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, U.S at the age of 39. He died at St. Joseph’s Hospital at 7:05pm after an emergency chest surgery. This man was a blessing and is still a blessing to the black race.

Moving on, this great historical figure that I would like to have a one on one with, did many things. He became a civil rights activist early in his career. In March 1955, Rosa Parks in Montgomery refused to give up her seat to a white man in compliance with Jim Crow laws, local regulations in the Southern United States that enforced racial segregation. This great historical figure whom I adore was part of the committee from Birmingham African-American community that looked into the case. Also, he led the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, serving as the first president. This occurred after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on 1st December 1955. Further, in Albany Georgia, he led an unsuccessful 1962 struggle against segregation. (The Albany Movement) with the SCLC and aided organize the 1963 non-violent protests in Birmingham, Alabama. Again, he delivered his famous speech, “I Have a Dream” in Washington, as he helped to organize the 1963 March on Washington. There, he established his reputation as one of the greatest orators in American history.

Moreover, his qualities are a major reason why I really would like to have a one on one with him. This is because he is an astute and wise gentleman. This is evident in his book “Why We Can’t Wait” in which he wrote, “There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair.” This statement is certainly the truth that depicted his sentiments as he wrote from Birmingham Jail on April 16 1963. Several people rated “Why We Can’t Wait” as a five star book (on https://www.goodreads.com). One of the reviews said, “A beautiful book with an everlasting message of love and non-violence; a classic exploration of the events and forces behind the Civil Rights…” This clearly shows how people admired his wonderful and peculiar nature. He was a very determined gentleman who made history and helped blacks. For me, he was the momentum for blacks. He truly was and continues (even though he is late) to be an embodiment of true wisdom.

However, although several wonderful things have been said about him; although a lot of stories have been told concerning his life, there are a plethora of questions that I would really like to ask him myself. This is also another vital reason why I wish to have a one-on-one with him. I would really like to ask him how he felt when his plans failed. Also, what were his thoughts about his family? Did he know how his wife felt? Did he know how his children felt? I really wish to probably (go a bit out of context) ask him why he chose to marry his wife. Obviously, these are questions that many journalists may have asked him but I wish to know the deep answers that go beyond the camera. Clearly, from his lifestyle, Experiences and challenges his family certainly had their share of his joy, mixed feelings and grief.

In a nutshell, I respect and admire this magnificent historical figure. He wrote “I Have a Dream”, “Why We Can’t Wait”, “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” and many other great books. All these books were written by him with people in mind; not for himself. He definitely is an epitome of true wisdom. He is the man that believed in the “We” of issues; not the “I”. He is the man that kept risking his life from time to time. Many people would have given up, especially, when faced with death threats, but be that as it may, he persisted and even at gun point, according to Jesse Jackson, who was present, this wonderful historical figure said, “Ben, make sure you play “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” in the meeting tonight. Play it pretty well.” (His words were directed at Ben Branch, who was to perform that night at an event he (historical figure) was attending). He was a staunch Christian; was brave; was and is still my number one historical figure. His name is Martin Luther King!

Notes
•Martin Luther King Jr.
https://www.wikipedia.com

•Why We Can’t Wait By Martin Luther King Jr.
https://www.goodreads.com

         Written by Evelyn The Piper
                              (Evelyn Asare)
                   29th November, 2016