A Testament of Hope Summary and Analysis

1968 was filled with turmoil as war, inflation, violence, urban decay and intense poverty confronted Americans. For the Negro, these issues were intensified. The rebellion of the black community forced the nation to confront the problems of society and attempt to resolve them. Both nonviolent actions and race riots caused these problems to take precedence.

Dr. King was optimistic about the future. America continued to suffer from rabid racism, which could be seen in economic, social, and political depression. People were segregated into ghettos of the big cities. A sharing of power was required in the political process.

The war in Vietnam frustrated Negro soldiers who fought and died with whites on the front lines of battles for freedom for others. The same problems continued upon their return. Dr. King believed that if the government would...