This is a question you should ask the teacher. I can speculate and justify the assignment in several ways. But only the person making the assignment can answer the question, if you can't.
Despite the BS opinions heard here about MLK, he was a hero in american history. He personally led a non-violent movement which caused changes in laws about how government treated citizens differently in routine practices. this was sorely needed and he did it in a good way, unlike those who opposed him with bombings and shootings.
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King was never non-violent. He created a climate where it was either his way or violence. Violent elements quiclky responded to that message and filled revolutionary organizations. He was the most effective organizer of violent leftist revelotion in the 20th century.