Quote from “Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance” Speech

Excerpt from King's Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech

NPS Antoine Thomas

Quick Facts

Location:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Designation:

National Park

Amenities

2 listed

Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Wheelchair Accessible

 This speech was given in Oslo, Norway on December 10, 1964. 

Years of utilizing civil disobedience had led to successes, including one on July 2, 1964, when President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Months later, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, further validation of King’s unwavering belief in using nonviolent protest in order to effect social and economic change. 

“Civilization and violence are antithetical concepts.” 

King’s efforts for promoting civil rights in the United States was clearly now being recognized internationally. Likewise, his perspective was ever expanding. 

“I accept this award today with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind.”