The African American Civil Rights Movement is a movement in the United States that attempts to end racial discrimination and prejudice against Afro-Americans -Americans in the Southern States. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the great leaders of this movement as his ideals proved powerful enough to ultimately bring victory. One of King's most effective strategies was his "ethic of love." This ethic was based on his Christian beliefs and the teachings of leader Gandhi. Gandhi had practiced non-violent resistance, which was the only option to get rid of the oppression Indians were facing and he was able to influence King to do the same. People like nationalists, segregationists, and the privileged were of course opposed to this movement. However, the “ethics of love” proved to be an excellent tool of integrationism and nonviolent resistance that allowed the oppressed to understand and accept the oppressor. King's ethic of love was based on his Christian beliefs and the examples of Ghandi. . Luke chapter 6:27-36 of the Holy Bible says: “But I say to you who hear me: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. you on one cheek, turn the other to him too. If someone takes your coat, do not prevent him from taking your tunic, give it to anyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not ask for it. towards others as you would have them do to you. » Dr. King used the teachings of the Holy Bible during segregation to strengthen and alleviate the struggle. Therefore, throughout his tenure, he taught all who supported his argument to “love their enemies.” By giving this love to their o...... middle of paper ...... the "Land of the Free" as the American citizens that they are. Dr. King helped lead the movement to victory using what is often called the “ethic of love” which was based on his Christian beliefs and the ideals of Ghandi. Martin Luther King Jr. recognized that this was the only key to destroying oppression. And although they faced a lot of opposition, such as nationalists and segregationists, who believed they should not be considered Americans, King was able to use his ideals to correct this system. Works Cited • Cone, James H. Martin & Malcolm & America: A Dream or a Nightmare. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1991. Print.• King, Martin Luther. A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings of Martin Luther King. San Francisco, CA: HarperCollins, 1991. Print. • Parekh, Bhikhu C. Gandhi, a very brief introduction. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2001. Print