Obama Speech
Senator Barack Obama’s speech to the 2008 Democratic National Convention was given in response to criticisms that were levied against Obama in light of remarks made by Obama’s minister Jeremiah Wright. The speech, now considered to be a landmark because of its frank discussion of race relations in America, addresses Obama’s personal history, Wright’s divisive remarks, and the challenges that the country faces, challenges that Obama argues can be met effectively only if “all Americans” realize that the dreams of one group do not come “at the expense” of another’s dreams and that only by working together can the country move forward (Johnson-Sheehan and Paine 704).
For the text of the speech:
Obama, Barack. “A More Perfect Union.” Writing Today. 2nd ed. Ed. Richard Johnson-Sheehan and Charles Paine. Boston: Cengage, 2013. 699-706. Print.
For a video of the speech:
Obama, Barack. “A More Perfect Union.” 27 July 2008. Democratic National Convention. Fleet Center, Boston Speech. Web. 20 Jan. 2013.
Links:
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/convention2004/barackobama2004dnc.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrp-v2tHaDo
Background: Excerpts of Wright Sermons
“Reverend Wright Transcript: From ‘The Day of Jerusalem’s Fall.’ 16 Sept.2001. and From ‘Confusing God and Government’ 13 Apr. 2003.” ABC News. Web. http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=4719157&page=1
Historical Context: Jim Crow
Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia: Using Objects of Intolerance to Teach Tolerance and Promote Social Justice. Ferris State University. 2012. Web. Link: http://www.ferris.edu/news/jimcrow/who.htm
The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow: Emancipation Ended Slavery but Not Its Legacy. Educational Broadcasting Corporation. 2002. Web. Link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/
Response: For Comments About the Speech
“A More Perfect Union (speech).” Wikipedia. 7 Sept. 2012. Web.
Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_More_Perfect_Union_(speech)
See the responses of academics.
Note disclaimer regarding Wikipedia: May not be used as a source in academic research, but content found there can be traced back to original, credible sources.