Difference between revisions of "I Have a Dream (Copypasta)"
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+ | === "I Have a Dream" Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King jr. === | ||
*Good to use on MLK Day Raid. | *Good to use on MLK Day Raid. | ||
− | *The familiar | + | *The familiar "I have a dream" part of the speech starts about two-thirds through it. |
− | I am happy to join with you today, | + | I am happy to join with you today, <br> |
− | in what will go down in history as | + | in what will go down in history as <br> |
− | the greatest demonstration for freedom | + | the greatest demonstration for freedom <br> |
− | in the history of our nation. | + | in the history of our nation. <br> |
− | Five score years ago, | + | Five score years ago, <br> |
− | a great American, | + | a great American, <br> |
− | in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, | + | in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, <br> |
− | signed the Emancipation Proclamation. | + | signed the Emancipation Proclamation. <br> |
− | This momentous decree came as | + | This momentous decree came as <br> |
− | a great beacon light of hope | + | a great beacon light of hope <br> |
− | to millions of Negro slaves | + | to millions of Negro slaves <br> |
− | who had been seared in the flames of | + | who had been seared in the flames of <br> |
− | withering injustice. | + | withering injustice. <br> |
− | It came as a joyous daybreak | + | It came as a joyous daybreak <br> |
− | to end the long night of their captivity. | + | to end the long night of their captivity. <br> |
− | But one hundred years later, | + | But one hundred years later, <br> |
− | the Negro still is not free. | + | the Negro still is not free. <br> |
− | One hundred years later, | + | One hundred years later, <br> |
− | the life of the Negro is still sadly | + | the life of the Negro is still sadly <br> |
− | crippled by the manacles of segregation | + | crippled by the manacles of segregation <br> |
− | and the chains of discrimination. | + | and the chains of discrimination. <br> |
− | One hundred years later, | + | One hundred years later, <br> |
− | the Negro lives on a lonely island | + | the Negro lives on a lonely island <br> |
− | of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean | + | of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean <br> |
− | of material prosperity. | + | of material prosperity. <br> |
− | One hundred years later, | + | One hundred years later, <br> |
− | the Negro is still languished | + | the Negro is still languished <br> |
− | in the corners of American society | + | in the corners of American society <br> |
− | and finds himself an exile in his own land. | + | and finds himself an exile in his own land. <br> |
− | And so we've come here today to | + | And so we've come here today to <br> |
− | dramatize a shameful condition. | + | dramatize a shameful condition. <br> |
− | In a sense we've come to our | + | In a sense we've come to our <br> |
− | nation's capital to cash a check. | + | nation's capital to cash a check. <br> |
− | When the architects of our republic | + | When the architects of our republic <br> |
− | wrote the magnificent words of the | + | wrote the magnificent words of the <br> |
− | Constitution and the | + | Constitution and the <br> |
− | Declaration of Independence, | + | Declaration of Independence, <br> |
− | they were signing a promissory note | + | they were signing a promissory note <br> |
− | to which every American was to fall heir. | + | to which every American was to fall heir. <br> |
− | This note was a promise that all men, | + | This note was a promise that all men, <br> |
− | yes, black men as well as white men, | + | yes, black men as well as white men, <br> |
− | would be guaranteed the | + | would be guaranteed the <br> |
− | + | "unalienable Rights" of <br> | |
− | + | "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." <br> | |
− | It is obvious today that America has | + | It is obvious today that America has <br> |
− | defaulted on this promissory note, | + | defaulted on this promissory note, <br> |
− | insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. | + | insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. <br> |
− | Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, | + | Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, <br> |
− | America has given the Negro people | + | America has given the Negro people <br> |
− | a bad check, a check which has | + | a bad check, a check which has <br> |
− | come back marked | + | come back marked "insufficient funds." <br> |
− | But we refuse to believe that | + | But we refuse to believe that <br> |
− | the bank of justice is bankrupt. | + | the bank of justice is bankrupt. <br> |
− | We refuse to believe that there | + | We refuse to believe that there <br> |
− | are insufficient funds in the great vaults | + | are insufficient funds in the great vaults <br> |
− | of opportunity of this nation. | + | of opportunity of this nation. <br> |
− | And so, we've come to cash this check, | + | And so, we've come to cash this check, <br> |
− | a check that will give us upon | + | a check that will give us upon <br> |
− | demand the riches of freedom, | + | demand the riches of freedom, <br> |
− | and the security of justice. | + | and the security of justice. <br> |
− | We have also come to this hallowed spot | + | We have also come to this hallowed spot <br> |
− | to remind America of the fierce | + | to remind America of the fierce <br> |
− | urgency of Now. This is no time to engage | + | urgency of Now. This is no time to engage <br> |
− | in the luxury of cooling off or to take the | + | in the luxury of cooling off or to take the <br> |
− | tranquilizing drrug of gradualism. | + | tranquilizing drrug of gradualism. <br> |
− | Now is the time to make real the | + | Now is the time to make real the <br> |
− | promises of democracy. | + | promises of democracy. <br> |
− | Now is the time to rise from the dark | + | Now is the time to rise from the dark <br> |
− | and desolate valley of segregation | + | and desolate valley of segregation <br> |
− | to the sunlit path of racial justice. | + | to the sunlit path of racial justice. <br> |
− | Now is the time, | + | Now is the time, <br> |
− | to lift our nation from the quicksands | + | to lift our nation from the quicksands <br> |
− | of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. | + | of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. <br> |
− | Now is the time to make justice a reality | + | Now is the time to make justice a reality <br> |
− | for all of God's children. | + | for all of God's children. <br> |
− | It would be fatal for the nation to overlook | + | It would be fatal for the nation to overlook <br> |
− | the urgency of the moment. | + | the urgency of the moment. <br> |
− | This sweltering summer of the Negro's | + | This sweltering summer of the Negro's <br> |
− | legitimate discontent will not pass until | + | legitimate discontent will not pass until <br> |
− | there is an invigorating autumn of | + | there is an invigorating autumn of <br> |
− | freedom and equality. | + | freedom and equality. <br> |
− | Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, | + | Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, <br> |
− | but a beginning. | + | but a beginning. <br> |
− | And those who hope that the Negro | + | And those who hope that the Negro <br> |
− | needed to blow off steam and will now | + | needed to blow off steam and will now <br> |
− | be content will have a rude awakening | + | be content will have a rude awakening <br> |
− | if the nation returns to business as usual. | + | if the nation returns to business as usual. <br> |
− | And there will be neither rest nor | + | And there will be neither rest nor <br> |
− | tranquility in America until the Negro | + | tranquility in America until the Negro <br> |
− | is granted his citizenship rights. | + | is granted his citizenship rights. <br> |
− | The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to | + | The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to <br> |
− | shake the foundations of our nation, | + | shake the foundations of our nation, <br> |
− | until the bright day of justice emerges. | + | until the bright day of justice emerges. <br> |
− | But there is something that I must say | + | But there is something that I must say <br> |
− | to my people, who stand on the warm | + | to my people, who stand on the warm <br> |
− | threshold which leads into the palace of justice: | + | threshold which leads into the palace of justice: <br> |
− | In the process of gaining our rightful place, | + | In the process of gaining our rightful place, <br> |
− | we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. | + | we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. <br> |
− | Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst | + | Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst <br> |
− | for freedom by drinking from the cup | + | for freedom by drinking from the cup <br> |
− | of bitterness and hatred. | + | of bitterness and hatred. <br> |
− | We must forever conduct our struggle | + | We must forever conduct our struggle <br> |
− | on the high plane of dignity and discipline. | + | on the high plane of dignity and discipline. <br> |
− | We must not allow our creative protest | + | We must not allow our creative protest <br> |
− | to degenerate into physical violence. | + | to degenerate into physical violence. <br> |
− | Again and again, | + | Again and again, <br> |
− | we must rise to the majestic heights | + | we must rise to the majestic heights <br> |
− | of meeting physical force with soul force. | + | of meeting physical force with soul force. <br> |
− | The marvelous new militancy which has | + | The marvelous new militancy which has <br> |
− | engulfed the Negro community, | + | engulfed the Negro community, <br> |
− | must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, | + | must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, <br> |
− | for many of our white brothers, | + | for many of our white brothers, <br> |
− | as evidenced by their presence here today, | + | as evidenced by their presence here today, <br> |
− | have come to realize that their destiny is | + | have come to realize that their destiny is <br> |
− | tied up with our destiny! | + | tied up with our destiny! <br> |
− | They have come to realize that | + | They have come to realize that <br> |
− | their freedom is inextricably | + | their freedom is inextricably <br> |
− | bound to our freedom. | + | bound to our freedom. <br> |
− | We cannot walk alone. | + | We cannot walk alone. <br> |
− | And as we walk, | + | And as we walk, <br> |
− | we must make the pledge that | + | we must make the pledge that <br> |
− | we shall always march ahead. | + | we shall always march ahead. <br> |
− | We cannot turn back. | + | We cannot turn back. <br> |
− | There are those who are asking | + | There are those who are asking <br> |
− | the devotees of civil rights, | + | the devotees of civil rights, <br> |
− | + | "When will you be satisfied?" <br> | |
− | We can never be satisfied as long | + | We can never be satisfied as long <br> |
− | as the Negro is the victim of the | + | as the Negro is the victim of the <br> |
− | unspeakable horrors of police brutality. | + | unspeakable horrors of police brutality. <br> |
− | We can never be satisfied, | + | We can never be satisfied, <br> |
− | as long as our bodies, | + | as long as our bodies, <br> |
− | heavy with the fatigue of travel, | + | heavy with the fatigue of travel, <br> |
− | cannot gain lodging in the motels of the | + | cannot gain lodging in the motels of the <br> |
− | highways and the hotels of the cities. | + | highways and the hotels of the cities. <br> |
− | We cannot be satisfied as long as the | + | We cannot be satisfied as long as the <br> |
− | Negro’s basic mobility is from a | + | Negro’s basic mobility is from a <br> |
− | smaller ghetto to a larger one. | + | smaller ghetto to a larger one. <br> |
− | We can never be satisfied as long | + | We can never be satisfied as long <br> |
− | as our children are stripped of their | + | as our children are stripped of their <br> |
− | self-hood and robbed of their dignity | + | self-hood and robbed of their dignity <br> |
− | by a sign stating: | + | by a sign stating: <br> |
− | + | "For Whites Only." <br> | |
− | We cannot be satisfied as long as a | + | We cannot be satisfied as long as a <br> |
− | Negro in Mississippi cannot vote | + | Negro in Mississippi cannot vote <br> |
− | and a Negro in New York believes | + | and a Negro in New York believes <br> |
− | he has nothing for which to vote. | + | he has nothing for which to vote. <br> |
− | No, no, we are not satisfied, | + | No, no, we are not satisfied, <br> |
− | and we will not be satisfied until | + | and we will not be satisfied until <br> |
− | + | "justice rolls down like waters, <br> | |
− | and righteousness like a mighty stream. | + | and righteousness like a mighty stream." <br> |
− | I am not unmindful that some of you | + | I am not unmindful that some of you <br> |
− | have come here out of great trials and | + | have come here out of great trials and <br> |
− | tribulations. Some of you have come fresh | + | tribulations. Some of you have come fresh <br> |
− | from narrow jail cells. | + | from narrow jail cells. <br> |
− | And some of you have come from | + | And some of you have come from <br> |
− | areas where your quest - | + | areas where your quest - <br> |
− | quest for freedom, left you battered by | + | quest for freedom, left you battered by <br> |
− | the storms of persecution, and staggered | + | the storms of persecution, and staggered <br> |
− | by the winds of police brutality. | + | by the winds of police brutality. <br> |
− | You have been the veterans of creative suffering. | + | You have been the veterans of creative suffering. <br> |
− | Continue to work with the faith that | + | Continue to work with the faith that <br> |
− | unearned suffering is redemptive. | + | unearned suffering is redemptive. <br> |
− | Go back to Mississippi, | + | Go back to Mississippi, <br> |
− | go back to Alabama, | + | go back to Alabama, <br> |
− | go back to South Carolina, | + | go back to South Carolina, <br> |
− | go back to Georgia, | + | go back to Georgia, <br> |
− | go back to Louisiana, | + | go back to Louisiana, <br> |
− | go back to the slums and | + | go back to the slums and <br> |
− | ghettos of our northern cities, | + | ghettos of our northern cities, <br> |
− | knowing that somehow this situation | + | knowing that somehow this situation <br> |
− | can and will be changed. | + | can and will be changed. <br> |
− | Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, | + | Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, <br> |
− | I say to you today, my friends. | + | I say to you today, my friends. <br> |
− | And so even though we face the | + | And so even though we face the <br> |
− | difficulties of today and tomorrow, | + | difficulties of today and tomorrow, <br> |
− | I still have a dream. | + | I still have a dream. <br> |
− | It is a dream deeply roooted in the American dream. | + | It is a dream deeply roooted in the American dream. <br> |
− | I have a dream that one day this nation | + | I have a dream that one day this nation <br> |
− | will rise up and live out the true meaning | + | will rise up and live out the true meaning <br> |
− | of its creed: | + | of its creed: <br> |
− | + | "We hold these truths to be self-evident, <br> | |
− | that all men are created equal. | + | that all men are created equal." <br> |
− | I have a dream | + | I have a dream <br> |
− | that one day on the red hills of Georgia, | + | that one day on the red hills of Georgia, <br> |
− | the sons of former slaves and the sons | + | the sons of former slaves and the sons <br> |
− | of former slave owners will be able to sit | + | of former slave owners will be able to sit <br> |
− | down together at the table of brotherhood. | + | down together at the table of brotherhood. <br> |
− | I have a dream | + | I have a dream <br> |
− | that one day even the state of Mississippi, | + | that one day even the state of Mississippi, <br> |
− | a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, | + | a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, <br> |
− | sweltering with the heat of oppression, | + | sweltering with the heat of oppression, <br> |
− | will be transformed into an oasis of | + | will be transformed into an oasis of <br> |
− | freedom and justice. | + | freedom and justice. <br> |
− | I have a dream | + | I have a dream <br> |
− | that my four little children will one day | + | that my four little children will one day <br> |
− | live in a nation where they | + | live in a nation where they <br> |
− | will not be judged by the color of their skin, | + | will not be judged by the color of their skin, <br> |
− | but by the content of their character. | + | but by the content of their character. <br> |
− | I have a dream today! | + | I have a dream today! <br> |
− | I have a dream | + | I have a dream <br> |
− | that one day, down in Alabama, | + | that one day, down in Alabama, <br> |
− | with its vicious racists, | + | with its vicious racists, <br> |
− | with its governor having his lips | + | with its governor having his lips <br> |
− | dripping with the words of | + | dripping with the words of <br> |
− | + | "interposition" and "nullification" - <br> | |
− | one day right there in Alabama | + | one day right there in Alabama <br> |
− | little black boys and black girls will be able | + | little black boys and black girls will be able <br> |
− | to join hands with little white boys and | + | to join hands with little white boys and <br> |
− | white girls as sisters and brothers. | + | white girls as sisters and brothers. <br> |
− | I have a dream today! | + | I have a dream today! <br> |
− | I have a dream | + | I have a dream <br> |
− | that one day every valley shall be exalted, | + | that one day every valley shall be exalted, <br> |
− | and every hill and mountain shall be made low, | + | and every hill and mountain shall be made low, <br> |
− | the rough places will be made plain, | + | the rough places will be made plain, <br> |
− | and the crooked places will be made straight; | + | and the crooked places will be made straight; <br> |
− | + | "and the glory of the Lord shall be <br> | |
− | revealed and all flesh shall see it together. | + | revealed and all flesh shall see it together." <br> |
− | This is our hope, | + | This is our hope, <br> |
− | and this is the faith that I | + | and this is the faith that I <br> |
− | go back to the South with. | + | go back to the South with. <br> |
− | With this faith, we will be able to hew out | + | With this faith, we will be able to hew out <br> |
− | of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. | + | of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. <br> |
− | With this faith, | + | With this faith, <br> |
− | we will be able to transform the jangling | + | we will be able to transform the jangling <br> |
− | discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. | + | discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. <br> |
− | With this faith, | + | With this faith, <br> |
− | we will be able to work together, | + | we will be able to work together, <br> |
− | to pray together, to struggle together, | + | to pray together, to struggle together, <br> |
− | to go to jail together, | + | to go to jail together, <br> |
− | to stand up for freedom together, | + | to stand up for freedom together, <br> |
− | knowing that we will be free one day. | + | knowing that we will be free one day. <br> |
− | And this will be the day - | + | And this will be the day - <br> |
− | this will be the day when all of | + | this will be the day when all of <br> |
− | God's children will be able to | + | God's children will be able to <br> |
− | sing with new meaning: | + | sing with new meaning: <br> |
− | My country 'tis of thee, | + | My country 'tis of thee, <br> |
− | sweet land of liberty, | + | sweet land of liberty, <br> |
− | of thee I sing. | + | of thee I sing. <br> |
− | Land where my fathers died, | + | Land where my fathers died, <br> |
− | land of the Pilgrim's pride, | + | land of the Pilgrim's pride, <br> |
− | From every mountainside, let freedom ring! | + | From every mountainside, let freedom ring! <br> |
− | And if America is to be a great nation, | + | And if America is to be a great nation, <br> |
− | this must become true. | + | this must become true. <br> |
− | And so let freedom ring from | + | And so let freedom ring from <br> |
− | the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. | + | the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. <br> |
− | Let freedom ring from the | + | Let freedom ring from the <br> |
− | mighty mountains of New York. | + | mighty mountains of New York. <br> |
− | Let freedom ring from the | + | Let freedom ring from the <br> |
− | heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. | + | heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. <br> |
− | Let freedom ring from the snow-capped | + | Let freedom ring from the snow-capped <br> |
− | Rockies of Colorado. | + | Rockies of Colorado. <br> |
− | Let freedom ring from | + | Let freedom ring from <br> |
− | the curvaceous slopes of California. | + | the curvaceous slopes of California. <br> |
− | But not only that: | + | But not only that: <br> |
− | Let freedom ring from | + | Let freedom ring from <br> |
− | Stone Mountain of Georgia. | + | Stone Mountain of Georgia. <br> |
− | Let freedom ring from | + | Let freedom ring from <br> |
− | Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. | + | Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. <br> |
− | Let freedom ring from every hill | + | Let freedom ring from every hill <br> |
− | and molehill of Mississippi. | + | and molehill of Mississippi. <br> |
− | From every mountainside, let freedom ring. | + | From every mountainside, let freedom ring. <br> |
− | And when this happens, | + | And when this happens, <br> |
− | when we allow freedom ring, | + | when we allow freedom ring, <br> |
− | when we let it ring from every village and | + | when we let it ring from every village and <br> |
− | every hamlet, from every state and every city, | + | every hamlet, from every state and every city, <br> |
− | we will be able to speed up that day when | + | we will be able to speed up that day when <br> |
− | all of God's children, | + | all of God's children, <br> |
− | black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, | + | black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, <br> |
− | Protestants and Catholics, | + | Protestants and Catholics, <br> |
− | will be able to join hands and sing in the words | + | will be able to join hands and sing in the words <br> |
− | of the old Negro spiritual: | + | of the old Negro spiritual: <br> |
− | Free at last! Free at last! | + | Free at last! Free at last! <br> |
− | Thank God Almighty, we are free at last! | + | Thank God Almighty, we are free at last! <br> |
[[Category:Copypasta]] | [[Category:Copypasta]] |
Revision as of 10:38, 24 November 2010
"I Have a Dream" Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King jr.
- Good to use on MLK Day Raid.
- The familiar "I have a dream" part of the speech starts about two-thirds through it.
I am happy to join with you today, <br> in what will go down in history as <br> the greatest demonstration for freedom <br> in the history of our nation. <br> Five score years ago, <br> a great American, <br> in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, <br> signed the Emancipation Proclamation. <br> This momentous decree came as <br> a great beacon light of hope <br> to millions of Negro slaves <br> who had been seared in the flames of <br> withering injustice. <br> It came as a joyous daybreak <br> to end the long night of their captivity. <br> But one hundred years later, <br> the Negro still is not free. <br> One hundred years later, <br> the life of the Negro is still sadly <br> crippled by the manacles of segregation <br> and the chains of discrimination. <br> One hundred years later, <br> the Negro lives on a lonely island <br> of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean <br> of material prosperity. <br> One hundred years later, <br> the Negro is still languished <br> in the corners of American society <br> and finds himself an exile in his own land. <br> And so we've come here today to <br> dramatize a shameful condition. <br> In a sense we've come to our <br> nation's capital to cash a check. <br> When the architects of our republic <br> wrote the magnificent words of the <br> Constitution and the <br> Declaration of Independence, <br> they were signing a promissory note <br> to which every American was to fall heir. <br> This note was a promise that all men, <br> yes, black men as well as white men, <br> would be guaranteed the <br> "unalienable Rights" of <br> "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." <br> It is obvious today that America has <br> defaulted on this promissory note, <br> insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. <br> Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, <br> America has given the Negro people <br> a bad check, a check which has <br> come back marked "insufficient funds." <br>
But we refuse to believe that <br> the bank of justice is bankrupt. <br> We refuse to believe that there <br> are insufficient funds in the great vaults <br> of opportunity of this nation. <br> And so, we've come to cash this check, <br> a check that will give us upon <br> demand the riches of freedom, <br> and the security of justice. <br> We have also come to this hallowed spot <br> to remind America of the fierce <br> urgency of Now. This is no time to engage <br> in the luxury of cooling off or to take the <br> tranquilizing drrug of gradualism. <br> Now is the time to make real the <br> promises of democracy. <br> Now is the time to rise from the dark <br> and desolate valley of segregation <br> to the sunlit path of racial justice. <br> Now is the time, <br> to lift our nation from the quicksands <br> of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. <br> Now is the time to make justice a reality <br> for all of God's children. <br> It would be fatal for the nation to overlook <br> the urgency of the moment. <br> This sweltering summer of the Negro's <br> legitimate discontent will not pass until <br> there is an invigorating autumn of <br> freedom and equality. <br> Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, <br> but a beginning. <br> And those who hope that the Negro <br> needed to blow off steam and will now <br> be content will have a rude awakening <br> if the nation returns to business as usual. <br>
And there will be neither rest nor <br> tranquility in America until the Negro <br> is granted his citizenship rights. <br> The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to <br> shake the foundations of our nation, <br> until the bright day of justice emerges. <br> But there is something that I must say <br> to my people, who stand on the warm <br> threshold which leads into the palace of justice: <br> In the process of gaining our rightful place, <br> we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. <br> Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst <br> for freedom by drinking from the cup <br> of bitterness and hatred. <br> We must forever conduct our struggle <br> on the high plane of dignity and discipline. <br> We must not allow our creative protest <br> to degenerate into physical violence. <br> Again and again, <br> we must rise to the majestic heights <br> of meeting physical force with soul force. <br> The marvelous new militancy which has <br> engulfed the Negro community, <br> must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, <br> for many of our white brothers, <br> as evidenced by their presence here today, <br> have come to realize that their destiny is <br> tied up with our destiny! <br>
They have come to realize that <br> their freedom is inextricably <br> bound to our freedom. <br> We cannot walk alone. <br> And as we walk, <br> we must make the pledge that <br> we shall always march ahead. <br> We cannot turn back. <br> There are those who are asking <br> the devotees of civil rights, <br> "When will you be satisfied?" <br> We can never be satisfied as long <br> as the Negro is the victim of the <br> unspeakable horrors of police brutality. <br> We can never be satisfied, <br> as long as our bodies, <br> heavy with the fatigue of travel, <br> cannot gain lodging in the motels of the <br> highways and the hotels of the cities. <br> We cannot be satisfied as long as the <br> Negro’s basic mobility is from a <br> smaller ghetto to a larger one. <br> We can never be satisfied as long <br> as our children are stripped of their <br> self-hood and robbed of their dignity <br> by a sign stating: <br> "For Whites Only." <br>
We cannot be satisfied as long as a <br> Negro in Mississippi cannot vote <br> and a Negro in New York believes <br> he has nothing for which to vote. <br>
No, no, we are not satisfied, <br> and we will not be satisfied until <br> "justice rolls down like waters, <br> and righteousness like a mighty stream." <br>
I am not unmindful that some of you <br> have come here out of great trials and <br> tribulations. Some of you have come fresh <br> from narrow jail cells. <br> And some of you have come from <br> areas where your quest - <br> quest for freedom, left you battered by <br> the storms of persecution, and staggered <br> by the winds of police brutality. <br> You have been the veterans of creative suffering. <br> Continue to work with the faith that <br> unearned suffering is redemptive. <br> Go back to Mississippi, <br> go back to Alabama, <br> go back to South Carolina, <br> go back to Georgia, <br> go back to Louisiana, <br> go back to the slums and <br> ghettos of our northern cities, <br> knowing that somehow this situation <br> can and will be changed. <br> Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, <br> I say to you today, my friends. <br>
And so even though we face the <br> difficulties of today and tomorrow, <br> I still have a dream. <br> It is a dream deeply roooted in the American dream. <br> I have a dream that one day this nation <br> will rise up and live out the true meaning <br> of its creed: <br> "We hold these truths to be self-evident, <br> that all men are created equal." <br> I have a dream <br> that one day on the red hills of Georgia, <br> the sons of former slaves and the sons <br> of former slave owners will be able to sit <br> down together at the table of brotherhood. <br> I have a dream <br> that one day even the state of Mississippi, <br> a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, <br> sweltering with the heat of oppression, <br> will be transformed into an oasis of <br> freedom and justice. <br> I have a dream <br> that my four little children will one day <br> live in a nation where they <br> will not be judged by the color of their skin, <br> but by the content of their character. <br> I have a dream today! <br> I have a dream <br> that one day, down in Alabama, <br> with its vicious racists, <br> with its governor having his lips <br> dripping with the words of <br> "interposition" and "nullification" - <br> one day right there in Alabama <br> little black boys and black girls will be able <br> to join hands with little white boys and <br> white girls as sisters and brothers. <br> I have a dream today! <br> I have a dream <br> that one day every valley shall be exalted, <br> and every hill and mountain shall be made low, <br> the rough places will be made plain, <br> and the crooked places will be made straight; <br> "and the glory of the Lord shall be <br> revealed and all flesh shall see it together." <br> This is our hope, <br> and this is the faith that I <br> go back to the South with. <br> With this faith, we will be able to hew out <br> of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. <br> With this faith, <br> we will be able to transform the jangling <br> discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. <br> With this faith, <br> we will be able to work together, <br> to pray together, to struggle together, <br> to go to jail together, <br> to stand up for freedom together, <br> knowing that we will be free one day. <br> And this will be the day - <br> this will be the day when all of <br> God's children will be able to <br> sing with new meaning: <br> My country 'tis of thee, <br> sweet land of liberty, <br> of thee I sing. <br> Land where my fathers died, <br> land of the Pilgrim's pride, <br> From every mountainside, let freedom ring! <br> And if America is to be a great nation, <br> this must become true. <br> And so let freedom ring from <br> the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. <br> Let freedom ring from the <br> mighty mountains of New York. <br> Let freedom ring from the <br> heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. <br> Let freedom ring from the snow-capped <br> Rockies of Colorado. <br> Let freedom ring from <br> the curvaceous slopes of California. <br> But not only that: <br> Let freedom ring from <br> Stone Mountain of Georgia. <br> Let freedom ring from <br> Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. <br> Let freedom ring from every hill <br> and molehill of Mississippi. <br> From every mountainside, let freedom ring. <br> And when this happens, <br> when we allow freedom ring, <br> when we let it ring from every village and <br> every hamlet, from every state and every city, <br> we will be able to speed up that day when <br> all of God's children, <br> black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, <br> Protestants and Catholics, <br> will be able to join hands and sing in the words <br> of the old Negro spiritual: <br> Free at last! Free at last! <br> Thank God Almighty, we are free at last! <br>