A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr Chapter Summary & Analysis - The Rising Tide of Racial Consciousness Summary

The Rising Tide of Racial Consciousness Summary and Analysis

Dr. King discussed a new sense of dignity and self-respect fueling the new racial consciousness in the country. Increased economic status, though still exploited, had enabled Negro people to have better homes, medical care and educational opportunities. When the Supreme Court struck down the segregation laws applying to education, millions of people began to hope that they would have appropriate educational opportunities. A final element in the new sense of dignity was the knowledge that there is a worldwide struggle for freedom and equity. These people are watching for the results of the present struggle for equity in the United States. All these have combined to change the consciousness of the Negro people. This new sense of dignity developed a determination to fight against segregation until it was defeated in all areas of the country. They planned to suffer in dignity rather than to continue to allow their children to...
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