Rationale In class we had the opportunity to observe historical speeches that were very influential, we then analyzed them to recognize some literary techniques. We watched many speeches but Martin Luther King's “I have a dream” speech really interested me. I wanted to create a context in which to explore the literary techniques used in one of his speeches that influenced the civil rights movement. I therefore decided to write an article in the magazine as a sort of homage to the 50 years since Martin Luther King gave his “I have a dream” speech. I wasn't able to choose a specific publisher for my article, but I think it would be best suited to young adults looking for a bit of history and literature, perhaps Cobblestone, an educational magazine designed for high schools. I'll call the article “50 going strong”. In the article I will talk about Martin Luther King, his speech, the techniques used in his speech and how he influenced the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. In this assignment I was forced to think analytically about language and power.50 Becoming StrongMartin Luther King? A man admired and idealized for his way of speaking in public but above all for his courage and his noble qualities. A hero. Born in 1929 on April 4, Martin Luther King grew up in a religious pastor family in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally named Michael, he attended a segregated high school and graduated at age 15. He later earned a bachelor's degree in 1948 from Morehouse College, a black institution in Atlanta from which both his father and grandfather had graduated. In 1957 the Southern Christian Leadership Conference was formed and Martin Luther King had to provide new leadership to the civil rights movement…half of the document…the Southern Christian conference and group seeking to use nonviolent protests to fight discrimination. It is truly heartwarming to hear about this man and what he stood for, believed in, and achieved throughout his life. It is admirable to realize the great role it has played in the history of our world. It's astounding to consider how much language can influence our audience and manipulate them to think and feel the way you want. It is worth knowing the extent of the role played by language. We must take the time to consider and appreciate the importance of the English language in society based on how it can be used to “segregate” or bring communities together. Language is power, and if you know how to use it right you could stand with President Lyndon B. Johnson as he signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law.