Why Destiny Summoned These Three Orators Center Stage: More Than a Speech a Struggle—How the Constitution and Christianity Were Used as Liberation Tools for Change: a Critical Analysis of Three Selective Speeches of Frederick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Senator Barack Obama

By Dr. Betty M. Knight

This book was written based on Betty Knights ability to balance and critically analyze three of these orators speeches made during three different eras of American history. Her insights allow readers to see what I saw immediately after speaking with on her on many occasions: her unique way of interpreting the past, present, and the future. The deposit that Knight has made to her readers lives will demonstrate that she is not among the many but among the few; for many are called, but few are chosen.
After reading her other book W.H.O.L.E., I realized that Betty Knight had something to say to the class of 2010 and her colleagues in the ministry. So I asked her to be the keynote speaker at her own graduation in Chicago, Illinois on September 11, 2010. She agreed. Her keynote address was entitled If you can wait your time, you will have your turn. Knight has received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Ministry. After reading her thesis, I truly understand why God has equipped her to have an impact on her audience as well as keep it present throughout this experience.
In this book, Knight addresses how Christianity and the United States Constitution stand somewhat at odds with each other while sometimes forming a bond, those of creative mind and genius that make it possible for them to deal together with key problems of American history. Knights writing brings this theme center stage, including the many contradictions within Christianity as a religious institution and interpretations of its sacred text, the Bible, from which, a way of life was drawn by those who attempted to understand and practice Christianity within Western culture. This book enables the reader to understand when and how to reconcile these contradictions. In addition, the book identifies basic essentials for life, its governance, and its survival all to be viewed from the perspective of numerous identifying principles that have caused alienation within American life. When you finish reading this book you will completely understand why God called these African Americans orators Douglass, King, and Obama center stage.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 5, 2011
• ISBN: 9781463425777

Dr. Betty M. Knight

Dr. Betty Knight was aware of her potential in the spring of 2007, when she stepped onto the grounds of California State University Dominguez Hills in Carson, California. She was also aware of what she was facing during this time in history, which was a commitment to bring out the best in CSUDH. Her academic investment was giving her the liberty to be authentic and connect to the necessity to learn. This objective could be met through embracing a deeper level of observation that provided her with the tools needed to become a builder. Having an assurance of what she does will make a difference motivated her to cross over the lane of superficiality and the gap of uncertainty and to take a giant leap to ask the right questions, knowing her time has come. Not being accepted in the university of her choice , not having a car, finances, age, using an out dated computer, and having a surmountable case of lack; are just a few of the barriers that stared her in the face when she returned to college. However, she knew that she had to rebuild her future through education. Dr. Knight achieved her own goal by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in one calendar year and then a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Post Master's Certificate: Conflict Analysis and Resolution, a PhD in Ministry and a Master’s in Leadership Development. Dr. Knight earned these five degrees in seven years by following the steps defined, demonstrated, and duplicated in this book while maintaining a 3.325 to 4.000 GPA throughout her academic career.

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© 2011 by Dr. Betty M. Knight. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 06/09/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4634-0923-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-0922-7 (dj)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-2577-7 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011908264

Printed in the United States of America

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

FOREWORD

DEDICATION

We Have the Spirit of Our Ancestors

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 2

FREDERICK DOUGLASS: THE LEADER,

HIS MESSAGE AND THE

MOVEMENT

CHAPTER 3

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR’S I HAVE A DREAM SPEECH: THE LEADER, HIS MESSAGE AND

THE MOVEMENT

CHAPTER 4

SENATOR BARACK OBAMA’S SPEECH AT THE 2004 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION:

THE LEADER, HIS MESSAGE

AND THE MOVEMENT

CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION

REFERENCES

APPENDIX A

FREDERICK DOUGLASS’ SPEECH—ANALYSIS THROUGH THE LENS OF WILLIAM GARRISON

IN THE PREFACE OF THE NARRATIVE

OF DOUGLASS

APPENDIX B

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.,

I HAVE A DREAM SPEECH

APPENDIX C

SENATOR BARACK OBAMA 2004 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION SPEECH

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

FOREWORD

This book was written based on Betty Knight’s ability to balance and critically analyze three of these orators’ speeches made during three different eras of American history. Her insights allow readers to see what I saw immediately after speaking with on her on many occasions: her unique way of interpreting the past, present, and the future. The deposit that Knight has made to her readers’ lives will demonstrate that she is not among the many but among the few; for many are called, but few are chosen.

After reading her other book W.H.O.L.E., I realized that Betty Knight had something to say to the class of 2010 and her colleagues in the ministry. So I asked her to be the keynote speaker at her own graduation in Chicago, Illinois on September 11, 2010. She agreed. Her keynote address was entitled If you can wait your time, you will have your turn. Knight has received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Ministry. After reading her book, I truly understand why God has equipped her to have an impact on her audience as well as keep it present throughout this experience.

In this book, Knight addresses how Christianity and the United States Constitution stand somewhat at odds with each other while sometimes forming a bond, those of creative mind and genius that make it possible for them to deal together with key problems of American history. Knight’s writing brings this theme to center stage, including the many contradictions within Christianity as a religious institution and interpretations of its sacred text, the Bible, from which a way of life was drawn by those who attempted to understand and practice Christianity within Western culture. This book enables the reader to understand when and how to reconcile these contradictions. In addition, the book identifies basic essentials for life, its governance, and its survival—all to be viewed from the perspective of numerous identifying principles that have caused alienation within American life.

As E. Franklin Frazier states, Negroes were barred from full and equal participation in any of the public institutions of America and not permitted to develop their own in most realms of life . . . American Negroes were ‘free’ in an ironic sense, to develop their own family and religious life, while Americans who became white because they had black slaves, having made Christians of their field hands, did not want to commune with them from the same cup. The author provides a unique technique for the reader, the keen lens to reflect this irony on every level. Hence at birth, confirmation, communion, marriage, death and all the great turning points and festivals, Negro and white were alien to each other.

Because of its contradictions, misinterpretations of the Constitution, and misinterpretations as well as misapplications of Biblical Scriptures, the American Christian Church gave birth to the Black Church. Betty Knight’s interpretation of the Black Church illustrates this process, along with its promise and payoff for Negroes because of their belief system. Throughout the book, her proactive, lay-it-on the line approach is so engaging that the reader feels not forced but compelled to keep reading because her insight is maintained.

The author’s highlighting of similar threads in the speeches of these three orators in three different eras, using the Constitution and Christianity to mirror this reflection to America for three decades, is explosive. Both the emergence of Black Americans from the slave regime and the institutionalization of those Black Americans who were free before the Civil War eventually brought structure and order to Black American life by providing a sense of empowerment even when there was no equality in the nation.

Thus, the Christianity that the Black Church in America brought to America’s landscape provided this organization for Black Americans’ social lives, which gave new meaning to America’s Constitution. It also called into question the prevailing alienation and contradictions within the definition of human worth, and it helped ignite an explosion of genius that was driven by oral communication.

Black religion and the Black Church became the masters of this form of communication: the genius of its storytelling and oratory, as well as its use of similes, metaphors, and songs of spirituality, the blues and the gospel. This creative capacity took everything possible from life to create a picture of hope—a hope that maketh not ashamed.

This genius for oral communication is also found also in the Biblical texts of Christianity. Jesus and the Prophets were able to capture the millions of ordinary people with their voices, generating introspection and change, making the message of hope brighter. The author helps her readers to explore this light that continues to shine through the powerful oratorical gifts of African Americans.

Like Jesus and the Prophets of the Christian Tradition, those who stood against injustice proclaimed a new day. They stand in that oral tradition of parable, story, and testimony, touching the hearts and the minds of everyday people. The description of this process reveals in MORE THAN A SPEECH STRUGGLE . . . HOW THE CONSTITUTION AND CHRISTIANITY WERE USED AS LIBERATION TOOLS FOR CHANGE: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THREE SELECTIVE SPEECHES OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS, DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., AND SENATOR BARACK OBAMA reveals the author’s unifying expertise.

True movements of change arise from common understanding found in human relationships. This genius drives the oral tradition that manifests the experience of the human soul wanting change.

As you read this book, you will discover the genius of the Black experience through its oral tradition in America that calls out to all:

Let My People Go.

Dr. Sylvester Paul Brinson III

DEDICATION

I would like to dedicate this book to Denair, Tanishia, Jasmine, and Dominique. It was their love and support that helped me complete this great achievement. Because of my accomplishment, Denair, Jasmine and Tanishia have returned to achieving their destiny by returning to college. It was my strength in God that gave each of them the courage to start as well as move towards completing their academic careers. Dominique has also voiced her thoughts of returning to college after she has her baby—little London Trinity.

I am so grateful to God for giving me the strength to move out and accomplish all of my heart’s desire for such a time as this.

Special thanks to my friends and family for their prayers and support; without their kindness, these achievements would have been a lot more challenging.

We Have the Spirit of Our Ancestors

With Christianity and the Constitution

Black Orators started a new Revolution

Gave us power to frame our world

VICTORY in spite of catastrophic peril

We have the Spirit of our Ancestors

Could Douglass be known as an 18th century Whooper?

Using Negro Expression—his tone—Electrifying and Super

He stood up against slavery like a fearless trooper

We have—the Spirit of our Ancestors

As we enter into greater new seasons—

Equality is no longer up for treason

Remember, we cannot quit for any reasons—we have

The Spirit of our Ancestors

Lift every voice and sing

Until earth and heaven ring

Then came the voice of King

With a prophecy I Have A Dream

We hear the Spirit of our Ancestors

Our ancestors stood tall while being oppressed & mocked

Now they witness their overcoming spirit in President Barack

Conquering health care, women rights, & Bin Laden

all on his Watch:

We have the Spirit of Our ancestors

Change has come to America—

These three orators we beseech

Overcoming our Struggle with God and a Speech

Presidential—positions are in our reach—because

We have the Spirit of our Ancestors

No more limitations, lack, or loss—

Due to the power at the Cross-

God Almighty paid the cost—and gave power too

The Spirit of our Ancestors

As we move towards our destiny

We walk in our Authority

We make no apology—because we have

The Spirit of our Ancestors

Freedom, and Justice has tailored us to fit

Not coming up short, no, not one bit

Headed to the palace, no more pits—we have

The Spirit of our Ancestors

We can no longer be held back

With injustice, drugs, alcohol, or crack

Nor because we are brown or black—

Because we have

The Spirit of our Ancestors

A stronger attitude, outlook, and determination—

We will not give into negative frustrations

We are leaving lasting legacies

As we rewrite our history

Because we have

The Spirit of our Ancestors

Voting, Civil Rights, and Education

These are the ingredients for Restoration

Grants us liberties with a new dedication

We have

The Spirit of our Ancestors

Yes we can, we will and we must

Fulfill our purpose; it’s in God we trust

America you; might as well, get use to us—

Because we have

The Spirit of our Ancestors

We can receive Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD’s—

Tools our ancestors’ used to be set free

Whom the SON/ sets free is free indeed

Remember we have

The Spirit of our Ancestors

ABSTRACT

This study analyzes one selected speech by Fredrick Douglass, viewed through the lens of Williams Garrison, and two selected speeches delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Barack Obama. These speeches reflect these historical periods . . . during the Antebellum, Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity eras. The selected speeches are: Fredrick Douglass’s Nantucket Convention August 1841 oration; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have A Dream August 1963 speech, and Senator Barack Obama’s 2004 Democratic National Convention Keynote Address. Specifically, the researcher examines the contradictions of America’s belief system based on the Constitution that was framed by Christianity and seeks to show how each leader used the Constitution and Christian rhetoric as mirror strategies to reach their social and political goals. These three orators provided future generations with the opportunity to make additional steps by using the Constitution and Christianity to call Americans to practice what they preach—freedom, democracy and liberty, etc. This book focuses on three speeches and their impact for change concerning race, politics, and religious discourse.

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background

This study critically examines the intersections of race,