Dr. King’s last speech of his life
Prior to beginning work on this discussion, watch or listen to Dr. King’s last speech of his life, I’ve Been to the MountaintopLinks to an external site., which is “MLK’s final, great speech…delivered April 3, 1968 at Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee” (nicholasflyer, 2018).
During the speech, Dr. King addressed an action that could impact several businesses, the local economy, and the direction of the nation. Explain how the speech reflects leading through hard times while providing a defining vision for followers. What were the conditions at the time impacting his leadership ability? What direction could current leaders take from the speech concerning addressing the present and the future success of a strategy, movement, or vision, or the success of an organization?
Sample Answer
Dr. King’s speech “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” is a powerful example of leading through hard times while providing a defining vision for followers. He spoke on the eve of his assassination, in the midst of a sanitation workers’ strike in Memphis. The conditions at the time were difficult, with widespread poverty, racism, and violence.
Dr. King used his speech to address the strikers and their supporters, but his words also resonated with a nation facing many challenges. He spoke of the need for justice, equality, and peace. He also spoke of the importance of nonviolent resistance and the power of hope.