In the photograph, Martin Luther King Jr. is standing on the steps of the Alabama state capital building, helping lead a rally. One of the most important leaders of the civil rights movement, MLK Jr was fully committed to getting rights for African Americans, facing jail time, beatings, and other forms of abuse. This photo is so effective because the close up shot of MLK Jr. crossing his arms, speech tucked under his arm with a serious expression on his face, is a reflection of the length he was willing to go. It shoes his stubbornness, a sort of symbolic image saying “I will not move nor stop until I get what I deserve.” It makes the shot incredibly powerful and effective at communicating that message.
Moore, Charles. Martin Luther King Jr. at a rally on the steps of the Alabama state capitol, in Montgomery. https://www.npr.org/sections/pictureshow/2010/03/charles_moore.html/