Five score years ago a great American in whose symbolic shadow we stand today signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as beacon light of hope to millions Negro slaves who had been seared flames withering injustice. It joyous daybreak end long night their captivity. But 100 later still is not free. One hundred life sadly crippled by manacles segregation and chains discrimination. lives on lonely island poverty midst vast ocean material prosperity. later languished corners American society finds himself exile his own land. And so we've come here today dramatize shameful condition. In sense our nation's capital cash check. When architects republic wrote magnificent words Constitution Declaration Independence they were signing promissory note which every was fall heir. promise that all men — yes Black well white would be guaranteed unalienable rights life liberty pursuit happiness. obvious America has defaulted this insofar her citizens color are concerned. Instead honoring sacred obligation given people bad check check back marked insufficient funds. refuse believe bank justice bankrupt. We there funds vaults opportunity nation. will give us upon demand riches freedom security justice. have also hallowed spot remind fierce urgency now. no time engage luxury cooling off or take tranquilizing drug gradualism. Now make real promises democracy. rise from dark desolate valley sunlit path racial lift nation quick sands injustice solid rock brotherhood. reality for God's children. fatal overlook moment. sweltering summer Negro's legitimate discontent pass until an invigorating autumn equality. 1963 end but beginning. Those needed blow steam now content rude awakening if returns business usual. There neither rest nor tranquility granted citizenship rights. The whirlwinds revolt continue shake foundations bright day emerges. something I must say my warm threshold leads into palace process gaining rightful place guilty wrongful deeds. Let seek satisfy thirst drinking cup bitterness hatred.We forever conduct struggle high plane dignity discipline. allow creative protest degenerate physical violence. Again again majestic heights meeting force with soul force. marvelous new militancy engulfed community lead distrust people many brothers evidenced presence realize destiny tied up destiny. nd inextricably bound freedom. cannot walk alone. walk pledge shall always march ahead. turn back. those asking devotees civil rights when you satisfied? can never satisfied victim unspeakable horrors police brutality. bodies heavy fatigue travel gain lodging motels highways hotels cities. basic mobility smaller ghetto larger one. children stripped selfhood robbed signs stating: whites only. Mississippi vote New York believes he nothing vote. No no satisfied rolls down like waters righteousness mighty stream. am unmindful some out trials tribulations. Some fresh narrow jail cells. areas where your quest left battered storms persecution staggered winds You veterans suffering. Continue work faith unearned suffering redemptive. Go Mississippi go Alabama South Carolina Georgia Louisiana slums ghettos Northern cities knowing somehow situation changed. wallow despair friends. So even though face difficulties tomorrow dream. dream deeply rooted one live true meaning its creed: hold these truths self-evident created equal. red hills sons former slave owners able sit together at table state heat injustice oppression transformed oasis four little judged skin character. today. Alabama vicious racists governor having lips dripping interposition nullification right boys girls join hands sisters brothers. exalted hill mountain made low rough places plain crooked straight glory Lord revealed flesh see it together. hope. with. With faith hew despair stone transform jangling discords beautiful symphony together pray free day. sing meaning: My country 'tis thee sweet land liberty thee sing. Land fathers died pilgrims' pride mountainside let ring. nation become true. ring prodigious hilltops Hampshire. mountains York. heightening Alleghenies Pennsylvania. snowcapped Rockies Colorado. curvaceous slopes California. only that Stone Mountain Georgia. Lookout Tennessee. molehill Mississippi. From happens ring village hamlet city speed children men Jews Gentiles Protestants Catholics old spiritual: Free last. Thank God almighty