Name: Class:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Changing America
By Barbara Radner
2005
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) was a Baptist minister and a leader of the African American Civil
Rights Movement. This article shares key details about Dr. King’s life and accomplishments, including his
belief in equality and non-violence. As you read, take notes on the problems that African-Americans faced
during the 1950s and 60s, and the strategies that Dr. King used to create social change.
[1] Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a great leader. He
inspired many people. He brought about changes
that are important to everyone in the United
States. In fact, he is known around the world. He
was the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace
Prize. That is a prize given to a person who is
important to the world. It is a peace prize. He
wanted people to change things peacefully. He
thought that violence only led to more problems.
Dr. King used a way of changing things called
non-violent protest. He saw that people were not
treated fairly. He protested for civil rights. When
he led marches, people were angry. But he was
determined. Even though people shouted at him,
he kept marching.
People who had been afraid to protest before
were encouraged. They joined him. He was able
to give them confidence. Together they would
overcome. Soon thousands of people were with
him. He was changing America.
He organized boycotts. A boycott means that
"Martin Luther King, Jr. 1964 (source: Library of Congress)" by
people do not buy something or shop at a store Mike Licht is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
or use a service. The boycott he led was the
Montgomery Bus Boycott. Before that boycott in 1955, African Americans could not ride in the front of
buses. They had to sit or stand in the back even if there were seats in the front. Only whites could have
those front seats. It took months, but they won. They got the right to sit anywhere in the bus.
[5] Dr. King influenced many people. He reached them with his books and speeches. He gave a very
inspiring speech in Washington, D.C. People call it his “I Have a Dream” speech. In it he told about what
he had seen, the changes that had happened, and what would happen in the future.
Today the United States celebrates his life with a special holiday every year. On that day, people
remember what he accomplished. They think about how he has made a difference to everyone in
America.
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"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Changing America", © 2005, Barbara Radner. Reprinted with permission, all rights reserved.
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Text-Dependent Questions
Directions: For the following questions, choose the best answer or respond in complete sentences.
1. PART A: Which of the following best identifies a central idea of this text? [RI.2]
A. Americans celebrate Dr. King because he led people to create equality.
B. Dr. King is important because he won many awards.
C. All social change is made through non-violent protests like boycotts.
D. In his “I Have a Dream Speech” Dr. King predicted the future.
2. PART B: Which phrase from the text best supports the answer to Part A? [RI.1]
A. “He was the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize.” (Paragraph 1)
B. “He thought that violence only led to more problems.” (Paragraph 1)
C. “They got the right to sit anywhere in the bus.” (Paragraph 4)
D. “In it he told about what he had seen, the changes that had happened, and what
would happen in the future.” (Paragraph 5)
3. Which of the following statements best summarizes the way Dr. King created change? [RI.3]
A. Dr. King created change through his strong leadership, moving speeches, and
his support of continued non-violent protest, such as boycotts and marching.
B. Dr. King created change mainly by writing to important politicians and appealing
directly to lawmakers about the state of inequality in America.
C. Dr. King created change through his strong leadership and his call for protest,
organizing marches that would spin out of control into riots.
D. Dr. King created change through protests such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott,
in which protesters took over the buses so white people could not use them.
4. Which of the following best describes how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is [RI.2]
remembered in America today?
A. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered namely as the youngest person to win
a Nobel Peace Prize.
B. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered through a national holiday and little
else in terms of celebration.
C. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. legacy serves as an inspiration for change, though only
in the African American community.
D. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has become a figure of peace and equality, not just in
America but all over the world.
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5. “When he led marches, people were angry… Even though people shouted at [RI.6] [RI.5]
him, he kept marching.” What does this quote from paragraph 2 reveal about
Dr. King’s character or point of view, especially as a leader?
He's unfased he doesn't let the little things get to him.
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Discussion Questions
Directions: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. Be prepared to
share your original ideas in a class discussion.
1. Why is it important that Dr. King used non-violent protests to create social change? Are
there other ways people create social change? Which ones do students think are the best,
and why?
2. Dr. King protested inequality and injustice against African American people in American
society, making him a hero for “everyone in America.” Why is fairness and equality
important to everyone, not just the people who were treated unfairly?
3. Dr. King responded to inequality and injustice against African American people and helped
win more equal rights. How has America changed since Dr. King’s activism? Are there
people in America who aren’t treated equally today?
