Diary
Montgomery Bus Boycott:
December 5, 1955
Today, I was elected president of the Montgomery Improvement Association. I am surprised because I didn't know I was anything special to these people. I'm not even very well known here. I am even more stunned that now I will be the spokesman for the bus boycotts here. Only four days ago, Miss Parks was arrested, and now I have been thrown into this commotion. I want to help, of course, but I can only wonder what this will bring in the future. I'll try my best to help in any way I can.
A Very Close Call:
September 22, 1958
Two days ago, I was almost fatally stabbed with a 7-inch letter opener at a book signing in Harlem, New York. The women was derranged. I don't blame her; I just think she needs help. My life was saved that day by police officers and surgeons, both black and white. That is why I am alive today. That alone shows me that as a nation, we can and need to move forward to be at peace with one another. We will never move forward without accepting each other.
Birmingham Jail:
April 16, 1963
As the Birmingham Campaign is underway, I am confined to a jail cell. I want to be out in the active community, helping the movement, but instead I'm here. The authorities are trying to hold me back, hold the movement back, but that can't be done. We will show them. The fight for equality is thriving, and it won't stop now. Locked in jail or not, there is hope. All you need is a little hope.
I Have a Dream:
August 28, 1963
Today, I gave my speech at the March on Washington. It seemed to be a great success. The crowd loved it, and I've gotten plenty of praise for it already. I spoke my thoughts. I spoke about the dream. The dream that many of us have, that one day we will live in peace, and skin color will not be a factor in the way we judge one another. One day, I hope my dream will come true. Even if I'm not there to see it, I can hope that my children will see it happen. I can hope that their children after them will be able to play with white children on the playground and not have a second thought given about it. That is my dream.
December 5, 1955
Today, I was elected president of the Montgomery Improvement Association. I am surprised because I didn't know I was anything special to these people. I'm not even very well known here. I am even more stunned that now I will be the spokesman for the bus boycotts here. Only four days ago, Miss Parks was arrested, and now I have been thrown into this commotion. I want to help, of course, but I can only wonder what this will bring in the future. I'll try my best to help in any way I can.
A Very Close Call:
September 22, 1958
Two days ago, I was almost fatally stabbed with a 7-inch letter opener at a book signing in Harlem, New York. The women was derranged. I don't blame her; I just think she needs help. My life was saved that day by police officers and surgeons, both black and white. That is why I am alive today. That alone shows me that as a nation, we can and need to move forward to be at peace with one another. We will never move forward without accepting each other.
Birmingham Jail:
April 16, 1963
As the Birmingham Campaign is underway, I am confined to a jail cell. I want to be out in the active community, helping the movement, but instead I'm here. The authorities are trying to hold me back, hold the movement back, but that can't be done. We will show them. The fight for equality is thriving, and it won't stop now. Locked in jail or not, there is hope. All you need is a little hope.
I Have a Dream:
August 28, 1963
Today, I gave my speech at the March on Washington. It seemed to be a great success. The crowd loved it, and I've gotten plenty of praise for it already. I spoke my thoughts. I spoke about the dream. The dream that many of us have, that one day we will live in peace, and skin color will not be a factor in the way we judge one another. One day, I hope my dream will come true. Even if I'm not there to see it, I can hope that my children will see it happen. I can hope that their children after them will be able to play with white children on the playground and not have a second thought given about it. That is my dream.