famous people and peace
TRANSCRIPT
FAMOUS PEOPLE AND
PEACENatália Vrecníková, 1.A Business Academy
Levice SK
Benjamin Franklin
He was elected to the Continental
Congress in 1775, where he played a
crucial role in the rebellion against Gr.
Britain, including service to Jefferson, in
editing the Declaration of Independence.
Franklin, who was by this time
independently wealthy and retired from
publishing, continued to serve an important
role in government, both local and
national. He was the United States first
Postmaster General, Minister to the
French Court, Treaty agent and signer to
the peace with Gr. Britain, Celebrated
Member of the Constitutional convention
(See Work, above). Benjamin Franklin:
Businessman, Writer, Publisher, Scientist,
Diplomat, Legislator and Social activist
was one of the earliest and strongest
advocates for the abolition of Slavery, and
for the protection of the rights of American
aboriginal peoples. He died on the 17th of
April, 1790. On that day he was still one of
the most celebrated characters in America.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
As a pastor of a Baptist church in Montgomery,Alabama, King lead a Black bus boycott. He andninety others were arrested and indicted underthe provisions of a law making it illegal to conspireto obstruct the operation of a business. King andseveral others were found guilty, but appealedtheir case. As the bus boycott dragged on, Kingwas gaining a national reputation. The ultimatesuccess of the Montgomery bus boycott madeKing a national hero.
Dr. King’s 1963 Letter from Birmingham Jailinspired a growing national civil rights movement.In Birmingham, the goal was to completely endthe system of segregation in every aspect ofpublic life (stores, no separate bathrooms anddrinking fountains, etc.) and in job discrimination.Also in 1963, King led a massive march onWashington DC, where he delivered his nowfamous, “I Have A Dream” speech. King’s tacticsof active nonviolence (sit-ins, protest marches)had put civil-rights squarely on the nationalagenda.
On April 4, 1968, King was shot by James EarlRay while standing on the balcony of the LorraineMotel, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was only 39 atthe time of his death. Dr. King was turning hisattention to a nationwide campaign to help thepoor at the time of his assassination.
Nelson Mandela
Mandela served 27 years in prison,before his release in 1990, at the ageof 72. He was elected the first blackPresident of South Africa, in 1994.Although he retired from political lifein 1999, Mandela continues to lendhis voice towards issues that affecthis country and the world at large,such as the AIDS epidemic, povertyand human rights. He was alsoinstrumental in securing South Africaas the host of the 2010 Soccer WorldCup.
Nelson Mandela is one of the world’sgreatest, and most admired politicalleaders. He has been honored withnumerous awards, including theNobel Peace Prize, for he is ashining example of the incrediblestrength of the human spirit topersevere, in the face of adversity,for the pursuit of freedom.
Mikhail Gorbačov, Lech Walesa
Mikhail Gorbachev (1931 – ) Made lasting contribution to world peace through his determination to reform the Soviet Union. Gorbachev initiated proposals to reduce the number of nuclear arms and helped to end the Cold War. Also, Gorbachev allowed Eastern European countries to break away from Communist rule and become democratic states. Awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 1990.
Lech Walesa. (1943-) Leader of Polish Solidarity Movement had helped to bring about the end of one party Communist rule. Became first non-Communist President in 1991. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983.
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali (1942-) When Ali refused to fight in Vietnam, it was a controversial decision which cost him his professional boxing licence. However, Ali’s principled stance was increasingly appreciated as the war became more unpopular.
Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II(1920 – 2005) Had agreat effect on manylives that he touched.People felt he was asincere andcompassionate person.Lived through two verydifficult periods ofPoland’s history –occupation by NaziGermany andCommunist era, beforebecoming Poland’s firstpope.
Dalai Lama
According to his homepage, the14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso,is both the head of state and thespiritual leader of Tibet. He wasborn on 6 July, 1935, to afarming family, in a small hamletlocated in Taktser, Amdo, andnortheastern Tibet. At the age oftwo the child, who was namedLhamo Dhondup at that time,was recognized as thereincarnation of the 13th DalaiLama, Thubten Gyatso. TheDalai Lamas are believed to bemanifestations ofAvalokiteshvara or Chenrezig,the Bodhisattva of Compassionand patron saint of Tibet.Bodhisattvas are enlightenedbeings who have postponed theirown nirvana and chosen to takerebirth in order to servehumanity.