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standing up for the best in the American dream, happens now. I left Atlanta this morning, and
5
and taking the whole nation back to those great as we got started on the plane, there were six of
wells of democracy which were dug deep by the us. The pilot said over the public address
Founding Fathers in the Declaration of system, “We are sorry for the delay, but we have
Independence and the Constitution. Dr. Martin Luther King on the plane. And to be
If I had sneezed, I wouldn’t have been sure that all of the bags were checked, and to be
around here in 1961, when we decided to take a sure that nothing would be wrong with on the
ride for freedom and ended segregation in inter- plane, we had to check out everything carefully.
Changing the World
state travel. And we’ve had the plane protected and guarded
If I had sneezed, I wouldn’t have been all night.”
around here in 1962, when Negroes in Albany, And then I got into Memphis. And some
Georgia, decided to straighten their backs up. began to say the threats, or talk about the threats
And whenever men and women straighten their that were out. What would happen to me from
backs up, they are going somewhere, because a some of our sick white brothers?
man can’t ride your back unless it is bent. Well, I don’t know what will happen now. 50
If I had sneezed — If I had sneezed We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really
I wouldn’t have been here in 1963, when the doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been
black people of Birmingham, Alabama, aroused to the mountaintop.
the conscience of this nation, and brought into And I don’t mind.
being the Civil Rights Bill. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life.
If I had sneezed, I wouldn’t have had a Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned
chance later that year, in August, to try to tell about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And
America about a dream that I had had. He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And
If I had sneezed, I wouldn’t have been down 45 I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised
in Selma, Alabama, to see the great Movement Land. I may not get there with you. But I want
there. you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will
If I had sneezed, I wouldn’t have been in get to the promised land!
Memphis to see a community rally around those And so I’m happy, tonight.
brothers and sisters who are suffering. I’m not worried about anything.
I’m so happy that I didn’t sneeze. I’m not fearing any man! 55
And they were telling me — . Now, it doesn’t Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming
matter, now. It really doesn’t matter what of the Lord!!

Understanding and Interpreting

1. King claims that if he were given the choice to live in any time period, he would choose the
second half of the twentieth century even though the world is “all messed up” (par. 10). Explain
King’s reasoning.
2. Explain what King means by “It is no longer a choice between violence and nonviolence in this
world; it’s nonviolence or nonexistence. That is where we are today.” (par. 12). What are some
examples of nonviolent solutions that King offers in his speech, and how do those solutions
support his overall argument for the best methods for creating change?
3. In Birmingham, Alabama, civil rights protestors were abused by the authorities. Specifically,
Bull Connor, the Commissioner of Public Safety for the city, ordered that protestors be
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