Question

read the excerpt from martin luther king jr.s \i have a dream\ speech. fivescore years ago, a great american, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the emancipation proclamation. this momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. it came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity. the emotional connotation of the underlined word helps king emphasize the documents history. significance. timing. creativity.

Explanation:

The word "momentous" conveys great significance. It emphasizes how important the Emancipation Proclamation was for the African - American people.

Answer:

significance