It is rare indeed for one person, by sheer willpower and force of personality, to be able to change the world. To build on the foundation laid by many, to build it stronger, and give hope to millions.
To share your dream, and have it taken up as a rallying cry.
And then to die a martyr’s death, and not see that dream begin to come to its fruition.
If Dr Martin Luther King, Jr were alive today, how would he feel to know that almost every town across his home state now has a prominent street named after him?
To know that his birthday is now a federal holiday?
Would it gladden his heart to see a younger generation where race is less of an issue than ever before?
Or would he concentrate on the cases where prejudice refuses to die?
Would he be proud of the many political leaders who are black? His hometown of Atlanta is currently under the management of its fourth black Mayor.
Or would he simply sigh to see how often these same leaders “play the race card” when things don’t go their way?
I hope that he would be proud of the progress made. And then roll up his sleeves, and continue building a road to a brighter tomorrow.
The complete “I Have a Dream” speech can be found here.
Based on that inspiration, I’m planning over the next week or so to discuss the idea of heritage- starting with my own, of course. I hope you’ll join in.
martin luther king
