Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left behind a powerful and important legacy. His part in the civil rights movement plated a pivotal role in the formation of today's laws and the equal rights of all American citizens. Through his words and non-violent protests Dr. Ling provided America with an extraordinary view of what was unjust and wrong within our own society. His speeches inspired millions and continue to do today. But, though, King's message was meant to reach the masses, now that he is dead, who should hold the key to the vault of some of his most inspired word? CBS, the television station that aired King's 'I have a dream'� speech, believe that they have some claim on the famous words. The station has reportedly charged upwards of $2500 per minute to those wishing to use the footage. The King estate disputes that CBS has any rights to the footage. They contend that although the speech was seen and heard by millions, copyrights are being infringed upon. The King estate holds firm to the wishes of the late Dr. King and believes that CBS has no legal authority to gain profit from the distribution or viewing of any og MLK'S footage. Well, the King estate is correct in their estimation. The CBS Corporation, although responsibly for the widespread viewing of the famous speech, does not not the rights to the speech itself. To charge an exorbitant amount like$2500 per minute to use the footage, seemingly goes against what Martin Luther King Jr. was all about. Doing so turns words that brought about significant social change into a cheap ploy for quick cash, and it diminishes the memory of a great man.
Although CBS broadcast the famous 'I have a dream'� speech the station should not stand to gain from the selling and distribution of the King footage. This was the wish of Dr. King himself, who, before he died attempted to copyright all his works. The power of distribution should belong to his family and estate. Due to their intimate knowledge of Dr. King, they alone know what his wishes were. The King estate has informed the public that Dr. King wished his message to be widespread and available to all, because although he spoke the words, the dream itself belongs to millions. It is only a technicality that permission is required to use them. When Dr. King spoke his most famous words, he was speaking on behalf of an entire race and for their benefit.
The King family had been known to allow the use of the MLK footage free of charge. This along is proof that they ate honorable and good in their intentions with Dr. King's memory.
The idea that the word of Martin Luther King Jr. are caught in a tug of war between opposing parties is saddening. What he stood for and fought to provide is a priceless gift that he died fighting for. Though money stands to be made, there is no one who could stand to gain from a battle over the words of King. His family and estate should be the key holders to his memory. For those were his wishes, but it was our dream.

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