How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
"Five score years ago," the preacher began, "a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity. But one hundred years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free." (14.28)
King knows the history that has led to this point, but he also knows that everyone is still living in history. So Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was a good first step—but there's a lot of marching that needs to get done. History may have happened, but it's also going to keep right on happening. We might as well make the best of it.