How Long, Not Long facts for kids

How Long, Not Long is the well-known name for a powerful speech given by Martin Luther King Jr. He delivered this speech on March 25, 1965, in Montgomery, Alabama, right after the Selma to Montgomery marches ended. The speech is also called "Our God Is Marching On!" It was a very important moment in the fight for civil rights.

The Selma to Montgomery March

The speech came at the end of a long and difficult journey. Thousands of people walked from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery. This march was a protest against unfair laws that stopped African Americans from voting. It was a brave act of nonviolent protest.

A Difficult Journey

The marchers faced many challenges along the way. They walked for days, through tough weather and over long roads. Their bodies were tired, and their feet were sore. Some even slept in the mud. But they kept going because they believed in their cause.

Why Montgomery?

It was no accident that the march ended in Montgomery. Ten years before, this city was where the Montgomery Bus Boycott started. That was when the African American community in Montgomery united to fight against unfair treatment. This showed the power of working together.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s Message

In his speech, Dr. King spoke about the journey and the future. He reminded everyone that they had faced many challenges. Some people said they would never reach Montgomery. But they did, showing their strength and determination.

The Power of Nonviolence

Dr. King talked about using "nonviolent resistance." This means protesting peacefully, without using violence. He said that this method helped people stand up to unfairness. Even when things were difficult, people from all over the nation came together to support the cause.

A Goal of Friendship and Peace

Dr. King explained that the goal was not to defeat or shame anyone. Instead, it was to build friendship and understanding. He wanted a society where everyone could live in peace. A society where people were judged by their character, not their skin color. He dreamed of a day when everyone would be seen as equal.

How Long? Not Long!

Many people wondered how long it would take to achieve true justice. Dr. King answered this question with hope. He knew the path ahead would not be easy. There were no quick fixes. But he told everyone they must keep going.

Truth and Justice Will Win

Dr. King said that even if truth is pushed down, it will rise again. He believed that lies cannot last forever. He also said that people will eventually face the results of their actions. This means that unfairness cannot last forever.

The Arc of the Moral Universe

One of the most famous lines from the speech is: "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." This means that even if it takes a long time, the world is slowly moving towards what is right and fair. It was a message of hope and determination for everyone fighting for civil rights.