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The Making Of The Speech That Transformed A Nation

Michael Chabon

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Published in Behind The Dream: The Making Of The Speech That Transformed A Nation

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In the annals of history, few speeches have had as profound an impact as the one delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. Known as the "I Have a Dream" speech, it was a clarion call for racial equality and justice that helped to shape the course of the civil rights movement in the United States.

Behind the Dream: The Making of the Speech that Transformed a Nation

by Clarence B. Jones

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1687 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	228 pages

But what went into the making of this iconic speech? How did King come up with the words that would resonate with millions of people around the world? And what were the circumstances that led to its delivery on that fateful day?

In his new book, "The Making of the Speech that Transformed a Nation," historian David Garrow provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the "I Have a Dream" speech. Garrow draws on extensive research, including interviews with King's close associates, to piece together the story of how the speech came to be.

Garrow begins by examining the historical context in which the speech was delivered. The civil rights movement was at a crossroads in 1963. The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was planned as a way to pressure the federal government to take action on civil rights. King was one of the main speakers at the march, and he knew that he needed to deliver a speech that would inspire the nation.

Garrow then delves into the process of how King wrote the speech. He shows how King drew on his own experiences as a civil rights leader, as well as the words of other great speeches, to craft his message. Garrow also discusses the role of King's advisors, who helped him to refine his ideas and prepare for his delivery.

The final chapter of the book provides a detailed account of the March on Washington and King's delivery of the "I Have a Dream" speech. Garrow describes the crowd's reaction to the speech and the impact it had on the civil rights movement. He also discusses the legacy of the speech, which continues to inspire people around the world today.

"The Making of the Speech that Transformed a Nation" is a fascinating and illuminating look at one of the most important speeches in American history. Garrow's book provides a rich understanding of the context, the process, and the impact of the "I Have a Dream" speech. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the civil rights movement, American history, or the power of speech.

Reviews

"David Garrow has written a definitive account of the making of the 'I Have a Dream' speech. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the civil rights movement or American history." - Henry Louis Gates Jr., Harvard University

"Garrow's book is a masterpiece of historical research and writing. It is the most comprehensive and insightful account of the 'I Have a Dream' speech ever written." - Clayborne Carson, Stanford University

"The Making of the Speech that Transformed a Nation is a tour de force. Garrow has produced a work that is both scholarly and accessible, and it is sure to become the standard work on the 'I Have a Dream' speech." - Michael Eric Dyson, Georgetown University