RationalIn class we had the opportunity to look at historical speeches which had a great influence, we then analyzed them to recognize certain literary techniques. We watched many speeches but Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech really interested me. I had a desire to create a context in which I would delve deeper into the literary techniques used in his speech that affected the civil rights movement. So I decided to write a magazine article as a sort of homage to the 50 years since Martin Luther King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. I couldn't choose a specific magazine for my article, but I think it would be better suited to young adults looking for a little history and literature, perhaps Cobblestone, an educational magazine designed for high schools. I will call the article “50 in great shape”. In this article I will talk about Martin Luther King, his speech, the techniques used in his speech and how he affected the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. In this task, I was forced to think analytically about language and power.50 Going StrongMartin Luther King? A man admired and idealized for his public speaking but above all for his courage and his noble qualities. A hero.Born on April 4, 1929, Martin Luther King was raised in a religious family of pastors in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally named Michael, he attended a segregated high school and graduated at the age of 15. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in 1948 from Morehouse College, a black institution in Atlanta from which his father and grandfather were graduates. In 1957, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference was established and Martin Luther King was to provide new leadership to the civil rights movement...... middle of paper ...... the Southern Christian conference and group that sought to use non-violent demonstrations. to fight against discrimination. It's truly moving to hear about such a man and what he stood for, believed in and achieved during his life. It is admirable to realize the important role he played in the history of our world. It's amazing to consider how much language can influence our audience and manipulate them into thinking and feeling the way you want them to. Understanding the magnitude of the role that language plays is worth knowing. We must take the time to consider and appreciate the importance of the English language in society based on how it can be used to “pull apart” or bring communities together. Language is power, and if you know how to use it correctly, you just might support President Lyndon B. Johnson as he signs the Civil Rights Act into law. 1964..