Final answer:
Martin Luther King Jr.'s reference to being judged by the content of one's character emphasized valuing people based on their virtues and actions, rather than race or background, advocating for a society free from racial prejudice.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about being judged by the content of one's character, he referred to the principle of evaluating individuals based on their personal virtues, ethics, and moral qualities, rather than on superficial traits such as race, color, or background. This concept was a cornerstone in King's vision for a just society where people are recognized and respected for their actions and personal attributes, rather than prejudged by immutable characteristics. His call was for a society where the systemic barriers of racism were dismantled and where the inherent worth of each person was the measure of their societal value.