ASSIGNMENT: A Comparative Analysis of the Contributions of Barack

Obama and Martin Luther King Jr. in U.S. History

PRESENTED TO:

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE COURSE:

1. Aden I brahim M.-663271

2. Gitonga Mary A.
3. Jongkuch J. Panchol
4. Kenji Wambui

DATE:

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A Comparative Analysis of the Contributions of Barack Obama
and Martin Luther King Jr. in U.S. History
Introduction.

The unwavering efforts of people dedicated to advance the ideals of justice, equality, and
civil rights have resulted in pivotal periods in American history. Barack Obama and Martin
Luther King Jr. both have a lasting impact on the country. Despite having different historical
backgrounds and approaches, both individuals were crucial in determining how the United
States developed. In order to better understand how each individual contributed to the
advancement of civil rights, social progress, and national inspiration, this essay will compare
and contrast the achievements made by Barack Obama and Martin Luther King Jr.

I. Martin Luther King Jr.: The Civil Rights Crusader

Background and Historical Context

The 1950s saw the rise of Martin Luther King Jr a prolific American leader who emerged
during a pivotal period in American history when racial discrimination and segregation were
ingrained in society as a whole. He stood at the center of the afro American fight for equality
and inclusion (Wang, 2023 p. 2263). The Civil Rights Movement reached its pinnacle in the
1950s, when African Americans stepped up their activism and battle to get equal rights under
the law and to tear down racial barriers. During this turbulent time, King's impassioned
advocacy and leadership were important in determining the movement's course.

Understanding Racial Segregation

Jim Crow legislation allowed for the legalization of racial segregation throughout the 1950s,
which was especially common in the South of the United States. These laws maintained a
system of inequity and disenfranchisement for African Americans by enforcing racial
segregation in public spaces, educational institutions, transit, and other facets of daily life
(Terry, 2004).

Key milestones

Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956).

Wilson (2005) notes that, leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a crucial action that sparked the Civil
Rights Movement, helped Martin Luther King Jr. gain notoriety. Rosa Parks, an African American

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lady who refused to give up her bus seat to a white man, was arrested, which served as the driving
force for the boycott. After Parks was arrested, the African American community in Montgomery,
Alabama, organized a boycott of the city's bus system under the direction of King and the recently
established Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

Martin luther King took on the role of spokesperson for the boycott and this platform enabled him to
showcase his extraordinary oratory skills and commitment to nonviolent resistance. His leadership
during this year-long protest brought national attention to the injustices of segregation and established
him as a charismatic and influential figure within the Civil Rights Movement.

SCLC and Nonviolent Activism.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), an organization dedicated to utilizing

nonviolent direct action to combat segregation and accomplish civil rights reform, was founded in
1957 with a significant contribution by Martin Luther King Jr (Fairclough, 2001). The SCLC took the
lead in many of the movement's most significant initiatives, highlighting the effectiveness of civil
disobedience and nonviolence as strategies for bringing about social change.

Birmingham Campaign (1963).

Among King's most famous events as an activist was the Birmingham Campaign of 1963.
Birmingham Alabama stood as one of the South's most segregated cities and hence was chosen as the
target of the campaign, which sought to eradicate discriminatory behaviors. To bring attention to
racial injustice, King and other activists planned nonviolent demonstrations, marches, and sit-ins
(Morris, 1993. p.623). The Civil Rights Movement gained support on a national and worldwide level
thanks to the use of nonviolent resistance combined with the forceful response of the government.

King further cemented his leadership in the movement with his "Letter from Birmingham Jail," which
he wrote in response to criticism from white clergy and which explained the logical and moral
underpinnings of peaceful civil disobedience (King. Jr, 1964).

March on Washington (1963).

Lloyd et.al (2001), note that a significant step in the Civil Rights Movement was the 1963 March on
Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In his well-known "I Have a Dream" address, King demanded an
end to racial discrimination and expressed the dreams of millions of people while speaking from the
steps of the Lincoln Memorial. King's speech and the march were crucial in swaying public opinion
and increasing support for civil rights laws.

During the height of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s, Martin Luther King Jr. rose to
prominence due to his strategic leadership, dedication to peaceful resistance, and capacity to inspire
communities to reject racial injustice. His achievements ushered in a revolutionary period in the fight

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for racial equality and civil rights in the United States by laying the foundation for later legislative
successes like the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

II. Barack Obama: The Historic Presidency

Background and Historical Context:

Barack Obama's political career started in the 1990s with his involvement in Chicago
neighborhood organizing. As he advanced through the political levels of Illinois, his
captivating keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention brought him
widespread recognition (Freeman, 2014). This helped him run a successful U.S. Senate
campaign in which he demonstrated his popularity as a unifying person with a preference for
working across party lines. The release of "The Audacity of Hope," his book, cemented his
political beliefs and prepared the ground for his momentous presidential campaign (Clayton,
2007. p.53).

Obama's 2008 presidential campaign represented a break from past racial boundaries because
he was the first African American to win a major party nomination. His campaign, which
emphasized change and hope, used creative grassroots organizing and social media to enlist a
broad coalition (Simba, 2009). After defeating John McCain in the presidential election,
Obama's inauguration on January 20, 2009, drew historic crowds, signaling a turning point in
American history. Obama was the 44th President of the United States and faced many
difficulties, such as persistent conflicts and economic problems, but his election signaled a
change in the country's narrative, encouraging hope and upending long-standing political
conventions (Talbot, 2008. p.80).

In addition to being a political advancement, Barack Obama's election to the presidency

signified a profound transformation in American culture. His victory represented the
dismantling of barriers based on race and the adoption of a more accepting national identity.
His campaign's themes of change and hope struck a chord with a wide range of Americans,
especially the younger generation. Obama's pragmatic approach and unwavering dedication
to unity during his administration had a lasting impression on the country, inspiring a new
generation of leaders and upending long-held beliefs about race, leadership, and the potential
of American democracy.

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Key Milestones

A. Commitment to Inclusivity and Unity.

Barack Obama's political philosophy and leadership style were distinguished by his dedication to
inclusivity and togetherness. His focus on unification and his idea of a post-racial America served as
the cornerstones of his presidential campaign and style of government.

1. Emphasis on unity and post racial America.

Obama's campaign speech was resounding with calls for unification, highlighting the notion
that the US was a country with common objectives and aspirations rather than a collection of
distinct ethnicities (Levy, 2010). His goal was to break free from the deeply ingrained barriers
between politics and race by offering a picture of a post-racial America in which people
would be assessed on the basis of their character rather than their color or ethnicity. Many
Americans connected with this emphasis because they were drawn to the idea of a more
harmonious and inclusive national identity.

2. Transcending racial divisions.

Barack Obama acknowledged the ongoing problems with racial inequality during his
presidency and made a concerted effort to heal these tensions. Initiatives to combat structural
racism and advance diversity were given top priority throughout his administration. Obama's
response to the 2009 police arrest of African American scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr was one
prominent example; in order to promote communication and understanding, he organized a
"beer summit" at the White House (Washinton Post n.d.). Furthermore, Obama demonstrated
a dedication to tearing down racial barriers through his criminal justice reform programs,
which included measures to lessen sentencing inequalities and enhance police-community
interactions.

B. Legislative Achievements and Policies.

1. The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also referred to as Obamacare, was one of his most
significant legislative accomplishments. The goal of this comprehensive healthcare reform
was to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to all Americans. Obamacare aimed to
construct a more inclusive healthcare system by extending Medicaid, forbidding insurance

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companies from refusing coverage due to pre-existing conditions, and creating health
insurance exchanges (Hall & Lord, 2014). The Affordable Care Act (ACA) demonstrated
Obama's commitment to inclusivity in a critical area of public policy and marked a
substantial step toward offering comprehensive healthcare coverage.

2. Executive actions on immigration and criminal justice reform.

Obama demonstrated his dedication to diversity and equity by using executive orders to
address issues pertaining to immigration and criminal justice. He put into effect the Deferred
Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012, which provides temporary
protection to unauthorized immigrants who entered the country as minors (Skretny & López,
2013). The objectives of this executive action were to safeguard those in need and advance an
immigration policy that is more inclusive. Obama has showed a commitment to addressing
structural inequalities in the judicial system by supporting legislation that would lower
mandatory minimum terms for nonviolent crimes.

Both his policy actions and his speech demonstrated Barack Obama's dedication to
inclusivity and unity. While legislative successes like the Affordable Care Act and presidential
initiatives on immigration and criminal justice reform were concrete steps toward a more
inclusive and equitable society, his emphasis on a post-racial America intended to transcend
historical barriers. Obama's administration represented a critical step in moving the country
toward a vision of inclusivity and unity, even though difficulties remained.

Points of Comparison.

A. Approach to Change.

According to Martin Luther King a proper strategy for change was through moral persuasion
and nonviolent resistance. He supported using boycotts, coordinated protests, and civil
disobedience as nonviolent strategies to combat injustice (Fairclough,1968). King hoped to
bring about a moral awakening in both the oppressed and the oppressor by emphasizing love
and compassion as transformational energies.

On the other hand, Barack Obama, depended on legislative measures, executive orders, and
political processes to bring about change. Obama navigated the challenges of government by

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utilizing institutional authority and legal frameworks, underpinned by a practical awareness
of the political scene. His method was symbolized by his faith in gradual, systemic
transformation via recognized avenues (Skidmore, 2012).

B. Impact on Civil Rights.

Historic victories like the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provide
witness to Martin Luther King Jr.'s critical influence in influencing legislative reforms and
changing public perceptions (Lloyd et.al.,2001). Overt segregation and systemic racism were
eventually overthrown thanks in large part to King's nonviolent activism and moral
leadership.

Barack Obama addressed healthcare disparities via the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), one
of his policy achievements that furthered the ongoing civil rights battle. Furthermore, as the
first African American president, Obama's symbolic administration upended racial
stereotypes and motivated a new generation. In the post-civil rights era, his programs sought
to address more nuanced types of systemic inequity.

C. Vision for America.

Martin Luther King Jr’s Vision was that of a nation where individuals are judged by their
character, not the colour of their skin (Jackson, 2023). His vision transcended racial barriers
and promoted togetherness since it was based on the ideas of equality, fairness, and common
humanity.

Barack Obama believed that unity in America should transcend racial and ideological
differences. In an effort to bring the varied country together around shared ideals, he
highlighted the concept of a post-racial America, demonstrating his dedication to inclusivity.
(Obama, 2009).

Points of Contrast

A. Methodology and Leadership Style.

Martin Luther King Jr. depended on grassroots activism and moral power. His dedication to
nonviolent ideas and willingness to make personal sacrifices marked his leadership.

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On the other hand, Obamas political and constitutional expertise led him to the use of
institutional authority and political astuteness. His methodical approach to leadership helped
him negotiate the challenges of running a government inside preexisting political structures
(Edwards,2012) .

B. Historical Context.

During the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. battled against implicit
segregation and systemic racism, as well as explicit forms of discrimination.

The post-Civil Rights era that Barack Obama presided over was characterized by more
subdued manifestations of structural inequality. Even while overt segregation has decreased,
systemic racism remained a problem in many social systems.

C. Immediate vs. Long-Term Impact

During the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr.'s direct influence was seen in
changes to legislation and public perceptions.

Evaluating the evolution of social and political dynamics, especially the extent to which
enduring forms of inequality have been addressed, is necessary to determine the long-term
effects of Barack Obama's presidency.

Conclusion:
Despite functioning in distinct historical circumstances, Barack Obama and Martin Luther
King Jr. were dedicated to furthering racial rights and fostering an inclusive America. The
fight against overt racial segregation is at the heart of King's legacy, and Obama's presidency
represents advancements in the removal of structural impediments. This essay looks at each
of their contributions in an attempt to show how their efforts are related to one another,
highlighting both the achievements and the continued difficulties in the US struggle for
justice and equality.

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Fairclough, A. (1986). Martin Luther King, Jr. and the quest for nonviolent social
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