The video “Martin Luther King, Jr.: But if Not” (1967) is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what one believes in, no matter how hard or difficult the journey may be. The video begins with King speaking to an audience at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta Georgia on November 5th 1967. In his speech he speaks of his own inspiration from reading a passage from the bible book of Daniel, specifically chapter three which features Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who were thrown into a fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar after they refused to bow down and worship his golden idol. Despite their impending fate the three men stood firm in their faith and beliefs knowing that whether they survive or not God will still be faithful to them.
write a reflection paper on this either video Martin Luther King, Jr.: “But if Not” (1967): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOjpaIO2seY
King takes this story as an example of courage and bravery in the face of adversity and applies it to those struggling with civil rights issues during that time. He acknowledges that even though there are struggles ahead it is important for people to remain strong in their beliefs because ultimately justice will prevail no matter what trials come along. He also encourages them not to give into fear or intimidation but instead stand up for what is right even if it means sacrificing one’s life or liberty for such causes.
King goes on to emphasize how important it is for people not only today but throughout history have been willing take risks so that future generations can benefit from these sacrifices made by those before them. This can be seen through examples such as Abraham Lincoln’s work towards ending slavery and John Kennedy’s work towards achieving racial equality among all citizens regardless of race or creed; thus illustrating how much progress has been made since then due solely upon the actions taken by leaders like these two great presidents when facing near-impossible odds against them as well as other inspiring individuals who put forth immense effort within their respective fields despite opposition they faced at every turn along their respective paths towards change they sought out to accomplish .
Finally, King ends his speech by reminding everyone present just how resilient humans can be when standing together unified against any force designed meant oppose human rights ideals – citing fallen heroes like Medgar Evers whose death was never returned unanswered – demonstrating true testament about strength achieved through collective action coupled with unwavering faith even under most dire circumstances imaginable; further exemplifying why we must continue fighting injustice whenever encountered providing us hope that someday soon we shall indeed see triumph over prejudice poverty and ignorance once all individuals recognize our shared humanity underlining each person’s inherent value found within our diverse societies around world bring full circle closing words spoken back day proclaiming: “If you believe nothing else believe this: We Shall Overcome”.
Overall, I think this video provides an incredibly powerful message about standing up for ones beliefs no matter how difficult things may seem. It is especially relevant today given recent events such as Black Lives Matter protests showing just far society still has left go tackle systemic racism rooted deeply throughout America; however watching Martin Luther King Jr.’s words echoed almost 55 years later gives me hope knowing there are countless others joining alongside him continuing cause seek justice peace equal rights everyone regardless color gender identity so long live legacy strive make better tomorrow ourselves many generations come after us!