Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. were both leaders in championing the civil rights of oppressed blacks in South Africa and the United States, respectively. In their youth, both attended religious schools and after protesting both were thrown into prison for their rebellion. Later, they were both awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. While MLK fought against a white majority, Mandela faced a white minority, although they were equally as powerful and discriminatory. Both promoted passive protest rather than violence. However, Mandela later supported a violent movement because he saw it as a last resort to gaining civil rights. And although Mandela lived to see and govern a nation that was post-Apartheid, MLK was murdered very much in the midst of the American civil rights movement.
"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality...I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word." -MLK
The quote above encapsulates the vision of both leaders. The fight for civil rights was not easy. It took decades of protest and imprisonment for their vision to come to fruition, but both men never stopped fighting for a day were people of all colors would be regarded as equals. Basing their movements on human dignity and equality, they led their nations to a brighter future.
I love how you pointed out how neither men would stop fighting for equality. You very elegantly drew similarities and differences between the two leaders. Through life journeys that took similar courses, even though one was ultimately cut short, they were able to champion civil rights to better their respective nations.
ReplyDeleteI love the quote that you chose from Dr. King. You pointed out that both leaders worked towards their visions for decades. Incredible. Imagine the determination it takes not only to never give up but to chose to fight that fight in the first place. I like your cloud background also :)
ReplyDeleteI love the quote as well. It's amazing to see how Mandela and MLK managed to maintain a sense of calm purpose in the midst of so much hate and violence thrown their way. While I would like to think I'm a peaceful person, I haven't ever been provoked in a way that would test my patience like that. The amount of strength it takes to not retaliate with full, violent force is incredible to think about - the epitome of inspiration.
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