MLK Argument Essay - 1105 Words

MLK Argument Essay Martin Luther King’s â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech was delivered on August 28, 1963. MLK’s dream was complete equality for African-Americans in all aspects of life. This dream has not become the reality in America today; however, great strides have been made towards equality for African-Americans and tremendous improvements have been made since Dr. King’s speech was delivered. Two men arrested for the same crime. Two court cases. Two trials and verdicts delivered with a decision that could change their lives forever. The results are two very different sentences and consequences. The only difference in these court cases is the race of the felon. This is a harsh reality for the American justice system. After being†¦show more content†¦Forty-nine percent of African-American males will serve some time in prison. This translates to lost time with families, friends and loved ones and causes many of the issues we see in education and monetary means. The negative effects of not having a good education and few job opportunities encourages a lifestyle contradictory to what the law states. Today, African-Americans make up 37 percent of prison inmates, 42 percent of Death-Row inmates, and 45 percent of drug offenders in prison (Norris 94-95). Blacks are also not equally represented at an early age as two-fifths of incarcerated youths are African-Americans (Kerby). In a study done in 2009 by Heather West, black males are 6 times more likely to be in a federal prison than white males (2). Unfair punishment for blacks is the area farthest from equality; the most racial segregation occurs in this category. Every aspect of life plays a role in the issue of equality; without equality in education, there will not be equality in economics. Without equality in economics and education, there will not be equality in crime and punishment. The U.S. Sentencing Commission stated that in the federal system black offenders receive sentences that are 10 percent longer than white offenders for the same crimes (Kerby). This shows the unfair punishment that African-Americans receive only based on the color of their skin. MLKShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Letter From Birmingham Jail1542 Words   |  7 Pagesorganized manner. He calmly and directly shoots back a compelling argument to those who question his authority to lead protests on the subject. Overall, King uses examples and accurate representations of history to show the need for change. MLK Jr.’s letter embodies the rightful cry of the African American population and successfully rebukes those who stand idly by during a struggle that should be considered pertinent to all Americans. MLK begins by justifying his presence in Birmingham and his subsequentRead MoreMartin Luther King Jr And Antigone1358 Words   |  6 Pagesmake self-less sacrifices. 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These different areas are an integral part of labor and will continue to be. Most of these identities overlap at certain points but it is worth mentioning them separately as each