. A great America this in whose symbolic shadow stand signed the emancipation proclamation. momentous decree came as a great beacon    light of hope to millions of negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. 

                      

it came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity.in a sense we have come to our nation capital to cash a cheque. when the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent word of the constitution and the declaration of independence.

              

they were signing a promissory note to which every american was to fall heir. this note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the unalienable right of life.it is obvious today that america has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of colour are concerned.instead of honouring this sacred obligation  america has given the negro people a bad cheque .

                     

a which has come back marked insufficient funds.but we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. we refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation.