During the civil rights movement in the 1960s, there were several black and white advocates who played courageous roles. The most important and persistent activist of the African American rights movement was Martin Luther King Jr. King's ideas triggered the ideal perspective of equality. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for equality by organizing marches, giving powerful speeches, and maintaining a positive attitude despite adversity. Martin Luther King Jr. knew of the constant racism and cruelty in Birmingham, Alabama, and decided to lead a march in 1963. Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy, treasurer of the SCLC, led a group of fifty marchers to City Hall of Birmingham (Boerst, 12). Martin Luther King Jr. and the protesters wanted to oppose the harshness of Birmingham officials. The police arrested most of the protesters, including King and Abernathy (Boerst, 12). During his time in prison, King wrote a long letter describing the cruelty of Birmingham (Boerst, 12). In King's letter, he blamed the white community for the unequal treatment of African Americans (Boerst, 14). He also wanted the protestors to take a stand that would force white officials to negotiate the rights of African Americans (Boerst, 14). Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy were released on bail after eight days in jail (Boerst, 14 years old). Meanwhile, King's letter became famous as evidence of nonviolent protests (Boerst, 14). The letter proved to be a way to address the intelligence of nonviolent acts in the face of the cruelty of Birmingham's citizens. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous “I Have A Dream” speech was delivered on August 28, 1963 in Washington DC (Garrow). This speech encouraged the need for economic opportunity and freedom. Martin Luther King's “I Have A Dream” speech expressed the harsh... middle of paper... 1964 law, which banned segregation in public accommodations. Martin Luther King's strategies also earned him the Nobel Peace Prize. Martin Luther King's leadership paved the way for equality for future generations. Works Cited Bausum, Anne. Marching towards the summit. Washington, DC: National Geographic, 2012. Print.Boerst, J. William. Marching in Birmingham. Greensboro, NC: Morgan Reynolds Publishing, 2008. Print.Garrow, David J. “I Have A Dream.” Advanced World Book. World Book, 2014. Web. January 31, 2014. Kauffman, Jill. "Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr." Problems and Controversies in American History. Infobase Publishing, June 16, 2009. Web. February 5, 2014. Lakeside Publishing Group, LLC. "Poor People's Campaign, 1968." Focus Flash: Equal rights under the law. 137-138. United States: Lakeside Publishing Group, LLC, 2005. Historical Reference Center. Network. February 6. 2014.