Do We Still Have A Dream?
The most important lines in Dr. King's I Have a Dream speech...
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.
I have a dream that one day out in the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by their character.
I have a dream today.”
MLK.
I had a teacher by the name of Georgia Gayton in elementary school. We for class would have to memorize and recite this speech weekly during black history month in class. After learning it we would then for the recital each of us had to say a part of the speech for the audience. This speech was engrained in my mind as a young child. In 2024 I feel and think as if we have missed the plot…
Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and the current state of society. It’s important to remember the principles of equality and respect that the speech embodies and strive to apply them in our daily lives. While we may not live in a perfect world, we can all do our part to treat others with kindness and compassion, regardless of their race, gender, or any other factor. We can all do better and work towards a brighter future. Let’s continue to strive for progress and execute our plans for positive change.
Now as an adult looking back and living life. We do not live in a perfect world. Won't see it in my lifetime. Nor am I saying that this is the end all be all of humanity. However, the simple principles have been lost with us, and a reflection of this. I'm not saying that there aren't invisible systems in place that make it difficult. I'm not saying that it doesn't get tiring to always just choose to be better. Choosing to act accordingly. Stereotypes and criticisms. It all still very much exists. Its hundreds of things in place that just fuel the separation of us from one another.
Just In the places where you are just the best of you. Be just that.
Because the goal was always just to be. It's not that deep of a thought to just allow a human to be. Any combination of skin color mixed with character and sexual orientation. Just go be.
It is not a systemic racism talk. It's not rooted in racism talk. It's not a holy war talk. It's not that you are dumb and stupid talk.
It's a simple choice to treat the person next to you with respect or the equal counterpart of what that may represent with peace. Part of growth is understanding that you will never change the heart of somebody no matter how hard you try. Its too many humans around today so just be the light toward the change in the future.
From the 1960s to 2024. A lot has happened, And a lot has changed. It's still many “isms “ in this world. I am not disputing any truth of how infuriating and difficult it is with everything going on.
We are only as strong as our smartest and brightest but we will only move at the pace of our worst thoughts. I was taught humanity and also the history and power of my culture. But in that comes humanity first. In that comes respect. Your skin doesn't change your right. Your sexuality doesn't change your rights. Your religion does not change your rights. You are here you are present and you are alive. I do not have to agree with every thought you have. I do not have to live my life the same way you do.
We have to do a better job in our future in compartmentalizing that our cultures are different but we are all humans. Just remember that your POV is just a part of the entire perspective. We all can do more and do better. No more dreaming we must execute this plan.
