MLK: Martin Luther King Jr. is possibly the most widely known civil rights activist in modern history because of the significant impact he had on the movement for equality among races. Even when he was jailed for leading non-violent protests, he spoke out against the unjust treatment through a letter, trying to come to an agreement with white religious figures. This letter was published into newspapers, causing the information to spread. King’s approach to bringing about a change in a way that did not involve violence “...may not [have] [been] physically aggressive, it [was] spiritually forceful.” (MLK, ‘The Power of Nonviolence’) King believed that resorting to violence as a form of protest was wrong. He believed it would make them no better than racist people who had caused harm to them.

King’s “I Have a Dream” speech is an important landmark in the history of fighting for civil rights and rights for black people. His speech shook the nation, and more people began to stand up for the injustice they were facing for over two centuries. “Our goal was never to humiliate or defeat our opponents, but rather to win their friendship and understanding,” He explained in his speech. “We emphasized that we were not seeking revenge against the white community, but rather seeking a resolution to an unjust system.” King’s incredible dedication and his well known acts of justice prove he should be on the Mt. Rushmore of Civil Rights.

Greensboro Four: The Greensboro Four effectively protested nonviolently with sit-ins and more people began to join them in their acts of protest over time. Together, they impacted the way people acted during protesting and they inspired many with their method of nonviolent protest. Because of their influence on the public, the Greensboro Four deserve to be on the Mt. Rushmore of civil rights activists. They sat in restaurants or stores consistently for long periods of time. On February 1, 1960, they protested using a sit-in, and the very next day, they did the same thing. While a waitress argued that they did not serve black people, the Greensboro Four essentially proved them wrong by explaining that they had just bought something else at another counter in the store only some feet away. Even a black woman working on the counter “scolded the students for trying to stir up trouble,” (The New York Times Upfront, January 18, 2010) This caused an uproar of displeased shop and restaurant owners.

The impact they had on businesses around the area was significant and loud, and information on their tactics spread quickly. “The sit-ins showed that Americans, and young people, in particular, could protest against segregation directly and have a real impact.” (The New York Times Upfront, January 18, 2010) Because their approach to nonviolent protest was so effective and also disruptive, the four deserve to be on a Mt. Rushmore of civil rights activists.

Rosa Parks: Rosa Parks played a significant role in the civil rights movement for equality among races. The reason she is so well known is because she was recognized as the woman who wouldn’t give up her seat on the bus when it was at the time ‘illegal’ to do so as a person who wasn’t white. While she wasn’t the first to refuse to leave her seat on a bus, she is probably another one of the most influential civil rights activists in history, as her actions are still taught in history classes today. Her impact on rights movements for black people should earn her a place on the Mt. Rushmore of civil rights activists. When Parks was jailed for her actions, people retaliated. “You can afford to stay out of school for one day if you have no other way to go except by bus. You can also afford to stay out of town for one day. If you work, take a cab or walk.” (Leaflet from 1955 on the Bus Boycott)

People urged others to stop taking the bus on the following Monday of the arrest, and word spread quickly. Martin Luther King Jr. even spoke out about the injustice faced in a speech four days after her arrest. “And you know, my friends, there comes a time when people get tired of being trampled over by the iron feet of oppression. There comes a time, my friends, when people get tired of being plunged across the abyss of humiliation, where they experience the bleakness of nagging despair,” King explained. He praised Parks for her heroic action and her devotion to nonviolence, saying that it was in her Christian faith to do so. The bus boycott was ultimately very successful. Her sacrifice of putting herself in legal jeopardy is very admirable and people speak about it to this day. Parks' impact on the movement towards rights for people of color should earn her a place on a Mt. Rushmore of civil rights activists.

Harriet Tubman: Harriet Tubman is known for her bravery in helping slaves escape from their masters through an underground system of railroads. She risked everything to help others who were in tragic situations. Tubmans’ courage to sacrifice her own freedom to free slaves should allow her to earn a spot on a Mt. Rushmore of civil rights activists. From 1820 to 1861, it is estimated that 40,000 to 100,000 black people escaped through the Underground Railroad. While a majority of people who fled were caught and brought back to their white masters, many people did live freely after their escape. Tubman was a former slave who escaped from her master in 1849, and took immediate action to help others who were suffering in her past situation as well. Tubman was also a nurse and an activist for women's rights. She knew the cruelties of slavery all too well, as when she was a child, she was separated from her family and they were all distributed to different plantations.

Even as a young child she was brave and determined to help others. When she was only 12 years old, “...she spotted an overseer about to throw a heavy weight at a fugitive. Harriet stepped between the enslaved person and the overseer—the weight struck her head.” (History.com, Harriet Tubman) Her desire to make a change only grew stronger as she grew older. Tubman herself escaped through the Underground Railroad and soon took the place of a conductor in the tunnels after her escape. It is estimated that she herself helped around 70 enslaved people to freedom during her time as conductor. Her courageous acts of selflessness and perseverance should allow her a spot on a Mt. Rushmore of civil rights activists.

any feedback is appreciated pls

i know i couldve picked better pieces of evidence and connected them more but i just wanna get it done im still pretty proud and i hope i get a good grade

thanks so much :D!!!! i appreciate it!!! the rubric is not super specific but yeh

double comment :p