Eleventh Grade First Place Essay
THAIS RIDGEWAY
Bishop McDevitt High School

We Are One Nation

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King is perhaps one of the most influential people who ever lived. Throughout his life he demonstrated his unfailing determination to create a world of oneness. In his last speech on April 3, 1968 entitled " I’ve Been to the Mountaintop", he emphasized the idea of putting others before yourself. "Let us develop a kind of dangerous unselfishness." In doing this we will learn to love and care about one another. Therefore, I believe the type of nation Dr. King thought America "ought to be" is one of oneness.
Rights play a crucial role in the foundation of America, for example, the Bill of Rights. But does all of America uphold the same values and standards espoused by the Bill of Rights? If a woman wanted a job as a warehouse worker would her file make it pass the mailbox? If a man wanted to become a secretary is he deemed incompetent? Although equality is implied, it is not always displayed. Dr. King’s response would be that men and women whether black or white are equally qualified for a position and should not be restricted from achieving what is rightfully theirs based on external circumstances.
Our part in this battle lies in the community. Volunteering at local youth centers or tutoring struggling children is one avenue. For adolescents, like myself, there are opportunities to become a Big Brother/Sister. When you see injustice don’t simply walk away and be glad it wasn’t you. Help whoever it is in need in whatever way you can, even if it is just to help them feel they are not alone in their predicament.
My grandmother once told me that to lend a helping hand to one in need is a blessing to them. Whatever you lend will eventually be returned. So by helping others you have both been a blessing and have been blessed. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. geared our nation toward one of equality for all. In doing this, he was a blessing to all of us. So, now it is our turn to be a blessing toward others. The number one way to demonstrate Dr. King’s idea of oneness is to become a leader.
Dr. King clearly stated " Let us rise up…Let us stand…Let us move on…". The keyword is us. We as Americans must be on one accord in deciding to take a stand against injustices. We all have a part in this battle. We all have a place in this army. If we stand together, men and women of all races and ethnic origins, we cannot lose!