MLK Blog

Why does the author feel that whites owe King the greatest debt?
-King undid much of what racist whites did. Although all whites were not racist, the white image could've been tarnished if not for King.

Was King "the right man at the right time"?
-King was the right man at the right time. He was a born leader, an part of the African-American society that was struggling in America. The black community needed someone to lead them through their tough times, and King was the perfect person to lead them.

Would King be upset with the current use of his most often quoted line? Why or why not?
-King would be upset with the use of his most often quoted line. Ward Connerly insists that King would march alongside him for affirmative action. I believe he would not be happy for people to claim such things. People have also interpreted King's message too selectively.




I believe minorites have taken a step forward in terms of education. Blacks have made great progress since the 1960s. In 1960, only 18.2% of black males, and 21.8% of black females graduated from high school. In 2004 80.4% of black males and 80% of black females graduated high school. Asian high school graduation rates have been stellar. Data from 2004 shows that 88.7% of Asian males (compared to 85.3% of white males) and 85.0% of Asian females (compared to 86.3% of white females) graduated high school. High school drop out rates for both Blacks and Hispanics have steadily decreased.

Blacks have made excellent progress, as have Asians, but unfortunately Latinos cannot say the same. In 2004, only 58.4% of Latinos graduated from high school. This rate of high school graduation is far below blacks and Asians. The percentage of Latinos that grauduate from college is at an alarmingly low rate. Only 12.1% of Latinos graduated from college. By comparison, 28.2% of whites and 49.4% of Asians graduate from college. Blacks are lagging behind in this area as well- only 17.1% of blacks graduated from college.

In order for MLK's dream of equality to be realized there must be steps taken. Latinos should keep informed in the community about programs and clinics. They must eliminate factors that may take them out of high school. One example of a factor is teen pregnancy, and addictions to alcohol or drugs. Latinos should also think about joining the Boys & Girls Club, or a program like it-somehwere that will keep them from joining gangs, and will keep them safe and healthy.