Final answer:
The phrase "let freedom ring" is associated with the civil rights movement and Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech, but has deeper historical roots related to the struggle for liberty and equality. Literary works and historical documents echo the significance of freedom in American society and the pursuit of rights for all, especially for African Americans during the era of slavery and beyond.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "let freedom ring" is often associated with the American civil rights movement and is famously included in Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. However, the actual origins of the concept of freedom stem from deep historical roots. The words liberty and freedom have different etymological backgrounds with liberty suggesting privileges of independence and freedom referring to rights of belonging.
The struggle and desire for freedom have been a powerful force in American history, especially for African Americans during and after the era of slavery. The term freedom has resonated throughout various genres of literature and song, symbolizing hope, deliverance, and the quest for equality. Writings by Thomas Jefferson, Claude McKay, and others reflect the enduring quest for liberty and the importance of freedom in the collective consciousness of oppressed groups.