Overview
In this topic, we discussed the autobiography of Martin Luther and Nelson Mandela, who fought against racial injustice while serving the nation separately.
Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther was born in the year 1929 to a Baptist family in Atlanta, Georgia. Luther was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent resistance principles and he employed this learning when he fought for the racial injustice issue in the society.
Luther went to Morehouse College and Crozer Theological Seminary to study theology. He also co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), where he fought for the civil rights of the people through the means of peaceful protests.
Important Events of Martin Luther King Jr’s Life
- Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-56): During this boycott, Luther emerged as a national civil rights leader amongst the public. In this, Luther led the Montgomery bus boycott that lasted for a year as a protest against Rosa Parks’ arrest.
- The March on Washington (1963): During this march, Luther delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. The speech was given at the Lincoln Memorial. The speech was given to talk about racial discrimination and also to request to put an end to this society’s evil. Luther’s speech became a landmark milestone in the history of the Civil Rights Movement.
- The Selma to Montgomery Marches (1965): Luther also led several peaceful marches. These marches are done to fight for the African American voting rights that are residing in Alabama.
The Civil Rights Act (1964) and Voting Rights Act (1965): Due to Martin Luther’s nonviolent resistance efforts, sacrifices, and advocacy several landmark laws have passed that have significantly tried to remove the discrimination from the society.
Autobiography of Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela, a South African anti-apartheid activist was born in the year 1918. He was born in a Thembu royal family in South Africa. He was the first president of South Africa who served the country from the year 1994 to 1999. He is known for his contribution to fighting the injustice of the apartheid system (racial discrimination). He became a member of the African National Congress (ANC), a party that together fought for the rights of black South Africans.
Important Events of Nelson Mandela’s Life
- The Sharpeville Massacre (1960): Nelson Mandela was initially a peaceful protester until this massacre incident occurred in the year 1960. This incident transformed the image of Mandela into an armed-wing personality.
- Rivonia Trial and Imprisonment (1962-1990): Mandela was arrested for sabotage and given life imprisonment. He spent 27 years in prison but didn’t make sacrifices with their principles and always remained a symbol of resistance.
- Negotiations and Release: International pressure and internal changes in South Africa led to negotiations between the ANC and the government. Mandela was released in 1990.
Reconciliation and Presidency: Advocated for racial reconciliation and forgiveness. Elected as the first black president of South Africa in a fully representative democratic election (1994). Focused on dismantling apartheid and promoting unity.
Similarities and Differences
Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. both devoted their entire lives to combating racial injustice, one of society’s evils. Their motto remains the same, but they have approached this issue in different ways. Nelson Mandela first used peaceful protest to address this issue, whereas Martin Luther attempted to do it through non-vilent resistance means.
Even if there are still a number of differences in how they work, both share the same goal of achieving equality and justice in society. The younger generation is motivated by both figures to combat any forms of social injustice that they encounter.
References
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lessons-leadership-summary-nelson-mandelas-long-walk-wasantha
https://www.supersummary.com/the-autobiography-of-martin-luther-king-jr/summary