OK, history diggers--here's today's question:

[Jackpine Radical]

How was MLK's "I have a dream" speech covered at the time it was given? How long did it take for people to begin to recognize it for what it was? Did people know right away, or did it take a while for it to sink in?

For extra credit, answer the same questions about the Gettysburg Address. (Hint: I know that some contemporary news stories gave short shrift to Lincoln's words, commenting on how short and disappointing the speech was.)

[izzie]

1. well I just do not know.

I would think it took some time on both.

[Breeze54]

2. August 28th, 1963

I remember seeing it on TV. I know it was in black & white.

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http://www.museum.tv/exhibitionssection.php?page=90

View history being made -

Watch an excerpt of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering his "I Have a Dream" speech

rtsp://streaming.museum.tv/realvideo/mbc/dreamking.rm

Source: CBS Special Reports

Read more about the Civil Rights Movement and Television

http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/C/htmlC/civilrights/civilrights.htm

:hi:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. It was publicized

but many whites considered King to be controversial, his speech as one that maybe blacks would remember, but not whites, especially those in the South.

[Breeze54]

7. I'm white and I remembered it.

:eyes:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

9. Yes, we all do now

I didn't make myself clear. Where I was living, the impression amongst some whites was that the speech was only going to be remembered by blacks. These were the same folks who later supported George Wallace. They didn't see the speech as one that everyone would consider great, because it was uttered by a black man. I hope this makes what I was trying to say clearer.

[Canuckistanian]

4. It was a major event - covered by all the networks

And I think a lot of people realized it was significant as soon as they heard it.

And about the Gettysburg Address - ask John McCain. He was there.

[Jackpine Radical]

10. But McCain doesn't remember.

He was already senile.

[uppityperson]

5. I was a child and don't remember that, but was very affected when he was killed.

Then Bobby was killed and I was in tears. Sorry, don't remember The Speech, but I do remember after that, so it must've had an impact.

[pepperbear]

6. Here's some interesting trivia about the Gettysburg address.....`

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gettysburg_Address#Contemporary_sources_and_reaction

[pleah]

8. Sorry, I was only 4yrs. old.

Would have to rely on history books. I don't think that info. is in the books.