I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.

At the conclusion of the march on the steps of the state capitol King delivered a speech that became known as "How Long Not Long". King's intent was to provoke mass arrests and "create a situation so crisis-packed that it will inevitably open the door to negotiation". of the Congress of Racial Equality.

federal holiday in 1986. On October 14 1964 King received the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolence. cities.