- Poverty: John was born into poverty and grew up in a family that struggled to make ends meet. This made it difficult for him to get a good education and to pursue his dreams.
- Racism: John was a black man in a society that was deeply prejudiced against black people. This made it difficult for him to get a job, find housing, and participate fully in society.
- Illness: John suffered from a number of chronic illnesses throughout his life, including tuberculosis and diabetes. These illnesses made it difficult for him to work and to pursue his dreams.
- Death of loved ones: John lost a number of loved ones in his life, including his mother, his father, and his brother. This made it difficult for him to cope and to move on with his life.
Despite all of these obstacles, John was able to achieve great things. He became a successful civil rights leader, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and a beloved public figure. He was able to overcome his obstacles through his hard work, his dedication, and his belief in himself.