CHAPTER 20

Inspire

Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech is widely regarded as one of the great acts of leadership by one of history’s greatest leaders. If you haven’t watched it lately, I recommend it.

What was the point of the “I Have a Dream” speech?

I’m not asking rhetorically. If you’ve heard the speech, what was its point? If you haven’t heard it recently, listen to it again and try to answer the question, what was King’s goal? King was a leader, and the speech was a clear act of leadership. He didn’t give the speech for his health.

When I ask this question in classes, seminars, and workshops, the room quiets. People look thoughtful. Some struggle. They suggest things like “to raise awareness,” “to raise consciousness,” or “to ...

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