Great Black Speeches: I’ve Been to the Mountaintop
February 20, 2007
I saved the best for last! Martin Luther King Jr., in my opinion was the greatest orator of all time, and “I’ve been to the Mountaintop” has to be his greatest speech. “I have a Dream”, may have been his most important, but Dr. King put every ounce of his being into this speech. In fact it was said that Dr. King was so spent after the speech, that he needed help to his seat.
My mother, a Tuskegee grad, marched with Dr. King from Selma-to-Montgomery, on the day that went down in history as “Bloody Sunday”. She remember Dr. King being able to silence the noisiest crowds by just clearing his throat. She also told stories about men who went to his speech as enimes and left as great friends. She cherished the opportunity to hear him live, and talks about that day as one of the most moving days of her life.
And that my friends is the power of speech!!
Enjoy!!
Please excuse the video footage. It was the best I could find. You may want to just minimize and listen.
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Favorite Quote: “A man can’t ride your back unless it’s bent.”
Posted in Black History Month
Comments (4)Great Black Speeches The Ballot or the Bullet
February 9, 2007
I originally read this speech in the book Great Speeches by African Americans edited by James Daley, and for $3.50 it’s a must have for any speech enthusiast, and have since found it on Youtube. In this speech Malcolm held no punches (as if he ever did). Check it out!
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Posted in Black, Black History Month
Comments (3)Black History Month: Great Black Speeches
February 3, 2007
For as long as I can remember, I have been intrigued by great speeches, especially great black speeches. A well written, well delivered speech can inspire, intimidate, excite, and enlighten. Whether it was in the locker room during halftime, the pues on sunday morning, or at bedside before your grandmother tucked you in, everyone has been touched by a speech. So I figured this black history month I will share some of my favorite speeches written and performed by some of the greatest black orators.
I guess I will start with one of my recent favorties. This speech is not yet black history, but it could very well be in 2008. Barack Obama took the nation by storm after delivering the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
Enjoy!
Part 1:
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Part 2:
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Posted in Black, Black History Month
Comments (0)