Introduction
The “I Have a Dream” speech was delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 28th, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. before an audience of 250,000.
Script
Dr. Martin Luthor King: I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American Dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
Quiz
1. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its ________.
Discussion
- Do you believe that Dr. King’s dream has been achieved?
- Why do you think the Lincoln Memorial was chosen as the site of this speech?
- Think of some other important speeches in world history. Why were they important and still remembered today?