I Have a Dream
Season 11, Episode 08
August 21, 2023
Stories about the famous speech
Re-Imagined Radio celebrates the 60th anniversary of the famous "I Have a Dream" speech, by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and considers some stories about its origins, context, delivery, and reception. Dr. King delivered this speech August 28, 1963, at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Originally titled "Normalcy, Never Again," Dr. King's speech was forever altered when he went off script and, speaking from his heart, described in several paragraphs his dream for racial equality. Today, Dr. King's renamed "I Have a Dream" speech is considered one of the most powerful speeches of 20th century American history, and a turning point in the civil rights movement.
Access the episode script
Background
This episode of Re-Imagined Radio celebrates the anniversary and considers stories about the origins, context, concept, design, delivery, and reception associated with the "I Have Dream" speech, one of the most powerful in American history, and the civil rights movement.
The Context
On August 28, 1963, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a speech then titled "Normalcy,
Never Again," at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, held in Washington, D.C., was organized by A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin. The purpose of the march was to advocate for economic (jobs) and civil (freedom) rights for Black Americans. This peaceful show of solidarity was, to date, the largest in American history.
An estimated 250,000 marchers gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial, around the Reflecting Pool, and across the lawns back to the Washington Monument. Despite the heat and their fatigue, the crowd waited patiently for the featured speaker, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Speaking from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. King called for equality. For civil and economic rights for all people. And, for an end to racism in the United States. In his speech, Dr. King, the nation's leading civil rights activist, called for equality, civil and economic rights for all people, and an end to racism in the United States.
Structure of the Speech
According to Jason Miller, author of Origins of the Dream: Hughes's Poetry and King's
Rhetoric, Dr. King's speech can be divided broadly into three sections.
The introduction sets up the overarching metaphor of a "bad check."
The "dream" section outlines Dr. King's vision of racial justice and equality in America.
The "let freedom ring" section concludes the speech on an uplifting note.
Earlier iterations of the "dream" and "freedom" sections show Dr. King experimenting with poetry, prose, and the power of language, efforts that culminate in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
The Dream Section
Remarkably, Dr. King went off script and extemporized the most powerful part of his speech, the
paragraphs repeating "I have a dream" at their beginning, allegedly responding to a call from gospel
singer Mahalia Jackson to "tell them about the dream Martin."
According to Miller, Dr. King needed "a memorable way to communicate the civil right's movement's goal of integration." His "dream" was "both inspirational and unforgettable."
Jean Shepherd: Eyewitness
Radio storyteller Jean Shepherd, host of "The Jean Shepherd Show," broadcast on New York's WOR
radio, was
there and provided witness to Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech. Shepherd and others traveled six hours
by chartered city bus from New York City to Washington, DC, to participate in the March on Washington.
The next day, back in New York, Shepherd recounts his experiences for his radio listeners.
Legacy
With this episode, we remind listeners that sixty years after its delivery, because of entrenched
racism and social injustice, Dr. King's dream is still unrealized. His vision of equality, civil and
economic rights for all people, and an end to racism still resonates as a national vision. His dream
remains our hope.
Production
Contents
This episode explores Dr. King's use of poetry, prose, and preaching in three sections of his speech: the beginning where he sets up the overarching metaphor, the extemporaneous "dream" section where he outlines his vision of racial justice and equality in America, and the "let freedom ring" section which concludes the speech on an uplifting note.
Credits
Written, Produced, and Hosted by John F. Barber
Sound Design, Music, and Post Production by Marc Rose
Promotional Graphics by Holly Slocum
Producer's Notes
This episode examines a significant moment in American history, exploring not just the "I Have a Dream"
speech, but the context, preparation, and lasting impact of Dr. King's words.
— John F. Barber
Promotion
Press
Graphics
