Summary

Barack Obama begins his Selma Speech with a description of the morning when the Selma march started. He includes Selma among other important moments in American history, because it was a part of a bigger campaign for civil rights, which spanned generations.

Obama says that the speech celebrates the sacrifice of those who marched, of ordinary Americans. Despite many challenges, their patriotism prevailed, and their efforts represent the greatest expression of the American spirit.

He further claims that the marchers were moved by the same instinct that motivates all revolutionary movements. Moreover, other important historical events drew inspiration from the Selma march.

Obama thinks that today’s Americans are indebted to those who marched because they brought important progress in civil rights for all citizens. For this debt to be repaid, it is necessary for each generation to wor...