Light a Fire

Education Quotes

  • Submit a Quote
  • Newsletter
  • About
  • Topics
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
You are here: Home » Page 133

SUMMARY: Marcel Proust (July 10, 1871 – November 18, 1922) French novelist, essayist, critic
Marcel Proust Quotes
Marcel Proust Books

A prolific French writer, Marcel Proust, has had a lasting influential effect on literature. His stream-of-consciousness writing style proved that the author never found his place in literature or in the world. His writing style introduced a new depth of character analysis that had not yet been discovered.

Early Years
Marcel Proust (born Valentin Louis Georges Eugene Marcel Proust) was born July 10, 1871 to bourgeois parents. He was born in Auteuil, France at the home of his great uncle. His father, Adrien Proust, was a doctor and his mother, Jeanne Weil, came from a rich Jewish family. From the time Marcel was born, he suffered severe asthma attacks that plagued his health for life. At age nine, Proust suffered a severe asthma attack and was know as a “sickly child”. He spent his holidays in the village of Illers. This village and his great uncles home became the setting for important scenes of In Search of Lost Time.

During his high school years, his writing began to take form and he wrote frequent short stories and poems. In 1889, Proust enlisted in the French army and served for one year stationed at Coligny Caserne in Orleans. This experience compelled him to write The Guermantes Way. Proust had a reputation for being a snob and an amateur.

In September 1905, Proust’s mother died and left him a wealthy inheritance. His health continued to decline during this time. Proust openly declared he was a homosexual and discussed it openly and at length. It was rumored he often visited Le Cuziat’s male brothel, a trait that has fascinated his biographers. Among his lovers was Alfred Agostelli, who was married and was killed in an air accident.

In Search of Lost Time
Perhaps known as Proust’s greatest achievement, In Search of Lost Time, was begun in 1909. It consists of seven volumes spanning 3,200 pages. Unfortunately, Proust died before he was able to complete the series. His brother, Robert, edited and published the last three volumes and completed the series in 1927.

Other Writings
In 1895, Proust spent several years reading the works of Carlyle, Emerson and Ruskin. Proust was an avid follower of Ruskin and claimed to know several of his book’s by heart. Ruskin’s influence on Proust inspired Time Regained, to which Proust says he was translating Ruskin’s Sesame and Lillies. Proust translated two of Ruskin’s works into French, he responded to critics, “I don’t claim to know English; I claim to know Ruskin.”

During this time, he also worked on an auto-biography that remains unfinished.

In 1907 he published Le Figaro in which he attempted to analyze memory and guilt. In 1908, his development as a writer continued to catch fire. He began work on several different essays that were later combined into the title of Contre Saint-Beuve. He continued to write this novel for the rest of his life. It analyzed women, stained-glass windows, tombstones, and a study of the novel itself. The conclusion of this important novel was to make a point that “biography was the most important tool for understanding an artist’s work.”

Marcel Proust’s strange behaviors made him socially inept. He withdrew from high society after the death of his mother and moved into a soundproof flat. He slept during the day and did all of his writing at night.

Death
On November 18, 1922, Proust died of pneumonia. His brother Robert took an active role in the completion of his remaining novels and most were completed by 1927. During his lifetime, Proust was not hailed as a brilliant writer and the French claimed his works were simply, unreadable. However, modern society hails him as one of the major literary genius of French literature.

 

Filed Under: Biography



SUMMARY: Mother Teresa (August 26, 1910 – September 5, 1997) Roman Catholic nun, humanitarian
Mother Teresa Quotes
Mother Teresa Books

Mother Teresa dedicated her life to serving others. For over 40 years, she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, or dying. Mother Teresa was known world-wide for her humanitarian works. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work. An international symbol of hope and compassion, Mother Teresa’s legacy still lives on.

Early Years
On August 26, 1910 Agnes Gonxha (Albanian for “rosebud”) Bojaxhiu came into this world. Her father was involved in politics and in 1919; he fell ill and died at a political meeting. Teresa was raised as a Roman Catholic and by age 12 she was convinced she wanted to commit herself to a religious life. At age 18, she left her home and joined the Sisters of Loreto as a missionary. In 1931, she took her first vows as a nun and took the name Teresa. In 1937, she took her solemn vows. Teresa taught at the Loreto convent and during this time, she was always concerned by the famine, poverty and misery surrounding her in the outlaying cities. Teresa believed in all people and in all their beliefs, she once said; “By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus.”

The Missionaries of Charity
In 1948, Teresa received permission to leave to convent and work among the poor in Calcutta. On October 7, 1950 Teresa was granted permission from the Vatican to start her own order, “The Missionaries of Charity.” It started as a small order of 13 people and now consists of over 4,000 nuns. The Missionaries of Charity believe in caring for the unwanted, the uncared, and the unloved in society.

In 1952, Teresa opened the First Home for Dying. Anyone brought to the house received medical care and were allowed to die with dignity and the rituals of their faith.

During this time, Malcolm Muggeridge wrote “Something Beautiful for God.” This book was about Mother Teresa’s work and brought world-wide attention to her humanitarian work.

In 1982, Mother Teresa rescued 37 children trapped in a front line hospital during the Seize of Beirut. From here on, Teresa devoted her life to word-wide humanitarian efforts. By 1996, she was operating 517 missions in 100 countries.

The End of Life
Teresa’s health began to decline in the 1980’s. She suffered a heart attack in 1983 while visiting the Pope. In 1991 she suffered pneumonia that lead to more heart problems. In 1996, she fell and broke her collarbone, suffered from malaria and had heart surgery. On September 5, 1997 she passed away; shortly after her 87th birthday.

Awards and Recognition
During her life, Mother Teresa received numerous awards including:
• The first Pope John XXIII Peace Prize. (1971)
• Kennedy Prize (1971)
• The Nehru Prize –“for promotion of international peace and understanding”(1972)
• Albert Schweitzer International Prize (1975),
• The Nobel Peace Prize (1979)
• States Presidential Medal of Freedom (1985)
• Congressional Gold Medal (1994)
• Honorary citizenship of the United States (November 16, 1996)
Lasting Influence
Mother Teresa’s compassionate service to the world has left a wonderful impression on humanity. Teresa believed in marriage and working hard with whatever circumstance you may be in. During her acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize, Teresa stated:
“I choose the poverty of our poor people. But I am grateful to receive (the Nobel) in the name of the hungry, the naked, the homeless, of the crippled, of the blind, of the lepers, of all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared-for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone.”

 

Filed Under: Biography

SUMMARY: Michelangelo (March 6, 1475 – February 18, 1564) Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, poet, engineer
Michelangelo Quotes
Michelangelo Books

The Renaissance painter, Michelangelo is best known for his work The Last Judgment on the altar wall of the Sistine chapel. Michelangelo can only be described as a “renaissance man” with his rival Leonardo da Vinci. Michelangelo is known for many famous works, such as David a 14 foot high marble statue and the Pieta, another marble sculpture in Vatican City.

Early years
Michelangelo was born on March 6, 1475 in Caprese. Michelangelo was raised in Florence and during the illness and death of his mother, he lived with a stonecutter. At 14, Michelangelo was apprenticed to Domenico Ghirlandaio for painting and to Bertoldo di Giovanni for sculpting. From 1490-1492, Michelangelo attended Lorenzo de’ Medici’s school and expanded his ideas on art and sexuality. During this time he produced, Madonna of the Steps and Battle of the Centaurs. In 1497 the French ambassador in the Holy Sea commissioned, Pieta. During this time, Michelangelo focused primarily on sculpture, however he did daily drawings.

David
Known as one of Michelangelo’s most impressive and famous sculptures, David stands an impressive 14 feet tall. Made entirely out of marble, David was the cornerstone that established Michelangelo as a sculptor of skill and talent. David took 3 years to complete and still stands in the Accademia Gallery in Florence. From this success and the success of Pieta, Michelangelo never again lacked for commissions.

The Sistine Chapel and The Last Judgment
Pope Julius II invited Michelangelo to Rome in 1505. He commissioned Michelangelo to build the pope’s tomb. Michelangelo worked on the tomb for 40 years and he never completed it to satisfy his wants. The interruption of the tomb was a commission for the Sistine Chapel. It took Michelangelo four years to complete the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The composition includes over 300 figures and nine episodes from the Book of Genesis. The fresco of The Last Judgment to be painted on the Sistine Chapel Altar Wall was commissioned in 1534. Michelangelo worked on the project until 1541. This massive work expands across the entire altar wall of the Sistine Chapel. After Michelangelo’s death, the nude paintings were covered with painted fig leaves. In 1993, Michelangelo’s work was restored except for a few figurines that were left for historical significance.

Final Works
In 1546, Michelangelo began his last work which was the dome of the St. Peter’s Basilica. Michelangelo was the architect and completed sketches, however he died before the dome was completed. Michelangelo also designed the Medici Chapel. He also died before its completion and Michelangelo’s students finished it post-mortem.

Overcoming Nature
Michelangelo was often known for being too harsh or critical on himself. Many thought this was because of his comparisons to his rival, Leonardo di Vinci. Michelangelo saw nature as an enemy that had to be overcome. He believed a sculptor was free to use the forms that were already inside the stone. He felt that each stone was a completed state and shaping it was merely taking away the excess stone that was not a part of the statue.

Michelangelo was known for being bizarre or different. As an artist, he withdrew from mankind and sunk into his work. He was often noted for eating as a necessity rather than for pleasure. He was also known for sleeping in his clothes and boots. Despite his indifference his student were still inspired by his works.

Michelangelo died on February 18, 1564, just two weeks away from his eighty-ninth birthday. Michelangelo is known as the greatest sculptor of the sixteenth century. His artistic impressions have withstood the tests of time and continue to teach and inspire thousands today.

 

Filed Under: Biography

SUMMARY: Margaret Mead (December 16, 1901 – November 15, 1978) American cultural anthropologist
Margaret Mead Quotes
Margaret Mead Books

Margaret Mead was an American anthropologist who spent much of her time in foreign countries studying their cultural differences. She was viewed by some peers as controversial and a “dirty old woman” for her views on sexuality. Margaret Mead took an active role in the drafting of the American Book of Common Prayer in 1979.

Early Years
Margaret Mead was born on December 16, 1901 in Philadelphia. She was the oldest of four children. Her mother and paternal grandmother became some of the greatest influences on her life and supported her career. In 1918, she graduated high school and attended DePaw University. After one year at DePaw, she transferred to Barnard College, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in 1923. Her close friend, Dr. Ruth Benedict, influenced her to study anthropology. In 1924 she earned her Masters Degree from Columbia University and in 1925 she left for Polynesia to do fieldwork. In 1929, she received her PhD from Columbia University.

Family Life
Margaret Mead married in 1923 to Luther Cressman; she was told by doctors that she would never be able to bear children. Upon a trip to Europe she met, Reo Fortune, an anthropologist best known for his Fortunate number theory. Cressman and Mead soon divorced and she married Reo. Fortune and Mead divorced in 1935 and she married Gregory Bateson in 1936. Bateson and Mead were able to bear one child, a daughter, named Mary Catherine Bateson in 1939. This experience compelled Mead to write “Blackberry Winter,” which detailed her struggle to get pregnant. Although Bateson and Mead divorced later, Mead claimed to have loved him for the rest of her life and was known for traveling with his picture.

Coming of Age in Samoa
Perhaps known as Margaret Mead’s greatest and most controversial accomplishment, Coming of Age in Samoa brought Mead prominence for the first time. The book is a comparison among the youth in America and in Samoa. Her findings concluded that the youth in Samoa are more tightly knit due to being taught to grow together and strengthen confidence in one another. Mead also stated that Samoan teens are less prone to psychological stress than American teens since the Samoan culture teaches their youth to have greater sexual permissiveness. This book caused great controversy that sparked Derek Freedman to write Margaret Mead in Samoa: The Making and Unmaking of an Anthropological Myth. Freedman’s book was published in 1983, five years after Mead’s death. In his book, he challenged her studies claiming her informants lied to her.

Sex and Temperament in Three Primitive Societies
Another remarkable book by Mead was Sex and Temperament in Three Primitive Societies; this book marked the cornerstone of women’s liberation. Mead explores the roles of men and women in three different societies in New Guinea, claiming women tend to be dominate and men are subdued. Much criticism was sparked with this book as well, with many claiming her findings seemed custom-made for her theory.

Other Work
Margaret Mead earned numerous honorary degrees and was a member of the American Academy on Arts and Letters. Mead also taught at New York University, Yale University, Columbia University, Emory University, University of Cincinnati, The New School for Social Research, and The Messenger Clinic. Mead founded the urban anthropology department at N.Y.U in 1965 and she also founded the anthropology department at Fordham University in 1968.
Death
Margaret Mead died of cancer in 1978. Two years following her death, she was added to the leading feminist of the century listing. The influence Margaret Mead had on the anthropological world is long-lasting. Mead did not fill her life with extravagance and was known for donating her money to worthwhile causes. Her dedication to her research compelled Time magazine to name her, “Mother of the World” in 1969.

 

Filed Under: Biography



SUMMARY: Nelson Mandela (b. 18 July 1918) President of South Africa
Nelson Mandela Quotes
Nelson Mandela Books

Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela is known for his opinion on topical issues. A former President of South Africa, Mandela has spent 27 years in prison for crimes while he was leading a revolt against apartheid.

Early Life
Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918. Mandela’s father had 4 wives and Mandela was born to his 3rd wife. At age seven he attended school, he was the first member of his family to attend school. At age nine, his father passed away from tuberculosis.

Mandela then attended a Wesleyan mission school and was initiated at age 16. He then attended Clarkebury Boarding Institute and completed his Junior Certificate in 2 years versus the normal 3. At age 19, he attended Fort Hare University and became involved in a boycott by the Students’ Representative Council. He was asked to leave Fort Hare.

He was told his marriage had been arranged, unsatisfied with this, Mandela fled to Regent’s estate and then to Johannesburg. Mandela worked as a guard at a mine until he was fired for running away from his arranged marriage. He then began work as an article clerk at a law firm. During this time, he completed his B.A. degree at the University of South Africa. He then began law studies with the University of Witwaterstrand.

Politics
Mandela joined the African National Congress in 1944. He was involved in resistance against the ruling National Party’s apartheid policies after 1948. Mandela was arrested with 150 others on December 5, 1956 and charged with treason. He was later acquitted. The ANC was banned in 1960 and Mandela argued for the set up of a military wing inside the ANC. By 1961, Mandela became the leader of the ANC’s armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (translated as Spear of the Nation, also abbreviated as MK), which he co-founded.

Mandela spear-headed a sabotage campaign against military and government targets. Mandela was arrested in 1962 and sentenced to five years imprisonment. Mandela was brought to trial a year later for plotting to overthrow the government with violence. Mandela’s statement from the dock received international publicity. His closing statement was:

“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to the struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

Mandela was sentenced to life in prison. During his time in prison, his popularity grew and he was accepted as a significant leader of freedom. Mandela was released from prison on February 11, 1990. His release speech was broadcast all over the world and Mandela made it clear the fight for freedom was not over.

In 1994, Africa’s first democratic election was held. Mandela won 62% of the vote and was inaugurated on May 10, 1994 as Africa’s first black President. Mandela retired in 1999 from the Presidency.

After his retirement, Mandela went on to serve for a variety of human rights organizations. Mandela has received over 100 awards, honors and other recognitions for his life’s work. Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. To this day, he continues to be an example of freedom and still voices his opinion on numerous political topics. To the people of South Africa, he is known as Madiba. It is an honorary title adopted by elders of Mandela’s clan.

 

Filed Under: Biography

SUMMARY: Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546) Roman theologian, priest
Martin Luther Quotes
Martin Luther Books

During the 16th century, Martin Luther’s teachings challenged the authority of the pope. His teachings caused division among numerous religious groups and helped to inspire the Protestant Reformation.

Early Years
Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483 in Eisleben, Germany. Martin attended school in Mansfeld. At the age of seventeen, Martin attended the University of Erfurt, earning his Master’s degree in liberal arts. In 1505, Martin dropped his studies and entered the Mendicant order of Augustinian monks. For two years, Luther followed the traditions of being a monk; daily prayer, fasting, and manual labor. Luther continually worked hard at confessing his sins, but felt that the harder he tried to please God, the more he was aware of more of his own sins. In 1507, Luther was ordained as a priest and by 1508 he began teaching theology at the University of Wittenburg. During 1509, Luther received two Bachelor’s degrees and in 1512 he received his doctorate in Theology.

Teachings
Luther did most of his teaching at the University of Wittenburg. For 10 years he lectured on Psalms, Romans, Galatians, and the book of Hebrews. During this study time, Luther became convinced that the Roman Catholic Church had fallen away from the teachings of penance and righteousness. To Luther, justification (God’s act to declare righteousness to a sinner) was his most important topic and was entirely the work of God.
In 1517, Luther nailed his, 95 Theses, to the door of the Castle Church in Castleburg. Luther’s 95 Theses was written to his superiors to put a stop to the sale of indulgences. Within 2 months after Luther wrote this, it had spread throughout all of Europe. Dominican Monk, Johann Tetzel accused Luther of heresy and threatened to burn him at the stake.
In 1520 the pope warned Luther that he was facing excommunication unless he would withdrawal 41 sentences from his writings in 60 days. Luther burned the book of church law that December and in 1521, the Pope excommunicated Luther from the church.
Luther went into hiding for fear of his life and during this time he devoted himself to the translation of the Greek New Testament into German.
Marriage
Martin Luther married Katharina von Bora on June 27, 1525. Together they had six children. Katherina was a former nun, whom Luther helped escape with 12 others from the Nimbschen Cistercian convent. Luther was devoted to his wife and family, they made a decent living farming the land and taking in boarders. Katherina died on December 20, 1552.
Later Years
Luther suffered from various physical ailments such as; arthritis, digestive upset, and heart problems. However, despite his weakening condition, Luther continued to teach at the University of Wittenberg. Luther was known for his attacks on the Pope. He wrote, Against the Papacy at Rome Founded by the Devil (1545). This is said to be one of Luther’s most coarse and vehement works he ever produced. As his health weakened, he began to be harsher in his words and actions. His last sermon was delivered at Eiselben, three days before his death. This sermon was fiery against the Jews and was in hope that the Jews would be driven out of Germany or convert.
After prolonged chest pains, Luther died on February 18, 1546. It has been said his last words were:
“Into your hands, I command my spirit. You have saved me, Father, you faithful God.”
Luther was laid to rest in Wittenberg in the Chancel of the Castle Church. He is buried beneath the floor of the church with a stone marking his tombstone that reads:
“Here lies the body of Martin Luther, Doctor of Sacred Theology, who died in his hometown Eisleben in the year of our Lord 1546 on the 18th day of February after having lived for 63 years, 2 months and 10 days.”

 

Filed Under: Biography

SUMMARY: Lee Iacocca (b. October 15, 1924) American philanthropist, former Chrysler CEO
Lee Iacocca Quotes
Lee Iacocca Books

Lee Iacocca is one of the most influential Italians to enter the United States business field. Lee was born, Lido A. Iacoocca, but changed his name to become successful in the business world as he thought Lee was easier to pronounce. Lee’s family immigrated to the United States when he was 12 years old. Lee Iacocca has never been afraid of working hard and has lived his entire life practicing hard work and saving. Lee’s dedication to saving and not wasting anything can be attributed to the great depression. Lee had many lofty goals for himself, when he graduated from college, his goal was to make $10,000 and then work hard on turning that into a million.

Career
Lee Iacocca has often felt that he has been discriminated against because he is Italian. To prove that all men are equal regardless of their ethnicity or religion, he hired the first Jewish man, Gerald Greenwald, to work for the Chrysler Corporation. Greenwald became the first Jewish man to enter the top ranks of the 2 major automakers. One of Lee’s best attributes was his ability to be a decisive manager.

In 1946 Iacocca graduated from Princeton and began work for Ford Motor Company. Iacocca started working for Ford Motor Company as an engineer. Being dissatisfied in this job, he quickly switched jobs to sales and later moved to product development. Lee Iacocca is probably known best for his program called “56 for 56”, making it possible for people to purchase a new 1956 Ford for 20% down and $56.00 a month for three years. This great idea by Iacocca sold an extra 75,000,000 cars for Ford. Upon this success, Lee Iacocca was promoted to be President of Ford Operations at 40 years old. One of Lee Iacocca accomplishments with Ford was the design of the Ford Mustang. Iacocca also contributed to the revival of the Mercury brand in the 1960’s, introducing the Mercury Cougar and Mercury Marquis. After clashing with Henry Ford II, he was fired in 1978.

The Chrysler Corporation quickly hired Iacocca. Chrysler was on the verge of bankruptcy and Iacocca was hired to rejuvenate the company. Iacocca began by laying off several employees and selling the loss making European division. He also brought in many former associates from Ford to work for Chrysler. Iacocca went to Congress in 1979 to ask for a loan guarantee for Chrysler. After obtaining this, they were able to release the K-Car line. These cars were small, front wheel drive and inexpensive and became one of the mist successful car lines by Chrysler. Two years later following the K-Car line, Chrysler released the minivan. Originally Iacocca pitched the idea of the minivan to Ford when he worked there, but it was rejected by Henry Ford II. Now, Chrysler is still the leader in minivan sales. Iacocca also acquired AMC, which included the profitable Jeep division.
Family and Diabetes Work
Iacocca’s first wife died from diabetes and since then he has become on of the most active supporters for curing diabetes. Currently, Iacocca is the chairman of “Nourish the Children”, formed by Nu Skin Enterprises. In July 2005, Iacocca joined Jason Alexander and Snoop Dogg to promote Chrysler’s “Employee Pricing Plus” program. Iacocca’s fees and a $1 donation from each car sold would be given to the Iacocca foundation for diabetes research.

A great accomplishment to Iacocca was his dedication to his family. He always made time for his family. He would always leave work early on Friday and spend Friday night, Saturday and Sunday with his family. Iacocca has been hailed as a great leader and often looked to for his hard-working personality and excellent communication skills.

 

Filed Under: Biography

SUMMARY: Martin Luther King Jr (January 15, 1929–April 4, 1968) African-American civil rights leader
Martin Luther King Jr Quotes
Martin Luther King Jr Books

A key figure in the American Civil Rights movement; Martin Luther King Jr., raised public consciousness of the civil rights movement. In life and in death, his teachings to end racial discrimination and segregation through non-violent methods are still admired today. Since his death, King has been awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Congressional Gold Medal and the United States even declared a national holiday to celebrate his life’s accomplishments.

Early Years
King was born on January 15, 1929 to Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta Williams King. Originally Martin Luther King, Sr. and Jr. were both named “Michael” but in 1935, King, Sr. changed their names to “Martin” to honor the protestant Martin Luther. At age 15, King, Jr. entered Morehouse College and graduated in 1948 with a Bachelor’s degree in sociology. In 1955, King, Jr. received his Doctor of Philosophy from Boston University.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott
In 1955, a tired Rosa Parks failed to adhere to the Jim Crow laws that required her to give up her seat to a white man. She was arrested for refusing to give up her seat. This sparked The Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955. Headed by E.D. Nixon and Martin Luther King, Jr., the boycott lasted for 381 days. During this boycott, King’s house was bombed and he was eventually arrested. The boycott ended with the United States Supreme Court decision to outlaw racial segregation on all public transports.

“I Have a Dream”
King formed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957. This was a group composed of black churches for non-violent protests. Perhaps known best for his, “I have a dream” speech in 1963, King marched to Washington with more than a quarter million people. His speech made demands to end racial segregation in schools and in the employment field, protection for civil rights activists from police brutality and meaningful civil rights legislation. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech is considered one of the most influential speeches in the history of American oratory.

“Bloody Sunday”
March 7, 1965 is titled “Bloody Sunday” for police brutality against local civil rights workers. Footage of this brutality was shown on televisions across America, leading to a public outrage. “Bloody Sunday” has since been called the turning point in the effort to gain public support for the Civil Rights Movement.

April 4, 1968
Martin Luther King, Jr. was in Memphis, Tennessee supporting to support black sanitary public work’s employees. They had been on strike for almost a month to gain better wages and better treatment. On the evening of April 4, 1968, Dr. King was standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. He was shot at 6:01 p.m. and died shortly thereafter. His final words were spoken to musician Ben Branch:

“Ben, make sure you play Take My Hand, Precious Lord in the meeting tonight. Play it real pretty.”

Five days after King’s death, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a national day of mourning. 300,000 people attended the funeral for the slain Civil Rights Leader.

King’s Legacy
King is revered as a hero and one of the most influential people to step foot on this earth. After his death, his wife, Coretta Scott King followed in his footsteps for Civil Rights movements until her passing in 2006. Shortly after his death, Coretta established the King Center, where they are both entombed.

King can best be described as a non-violent, religious man with a focus on freedom for all.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Filed Under: Biography

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 131
  • 132
  • 133
  • 134
  • 135
  • …
  • 143
  • Next Page »

Free Daily Education Quotes via Email

First Name:
Email:
TwitterGet Daily Quotes by Following Us on Twitter
  • Submit a Quote
  • Newsletter
  • About
  • Topics