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Martin Luther King, Jr.

In founding the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave momentum to the civil rights movement. Dr. King’s persistent efforts, inspiring oratory and non-violent protests, despite physical attacks, death threats and retaliatory violence, brought America closer to his dream of equality for all. Read more on Martin Luther King, Jr.
FedEx Corporation, proud sponsor of The Extra Mile medallion honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.

Social issues Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed:
•    Civil rights
•    Respect for diversity
•    Justice and equality
•    Peace
•    Poverty
 
Social issues that need to be addressed today:
• Civil Rights – The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, the workplace and by facilities that serve the general public. Even though we have made progress, prejudice and racism are still with us. The need to protect the equal rights of all is as important as ever.*
• Tolerance and Respect – Bullying is the most common form of violence in our society. Approximately 3.7 million youth engage in, and more than 3.2 million are victims of, moderate or serious bullying each year.**
• Peace and Justice – Peace and justice is needed in many communities and countries around     the world – kids have an innate ability to promote peace.***
• Poverty – Approximately 39.8 million are living in poverty (2008).****

* http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/civil-rights-act/
** http://www.nasponline.org/resources/factsheets/bullying_fs.aspx
*** http://www.kidsforpeaceusa.org/index.htm
**** http://www.census.gov/prod/2009pubs/p60-236.pdf