Remembering the Dream

"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 the content of their character," are the inspirational words from Dr. Martin Luther King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Some forty plus years ago, Martin Luther King delivered this speech during the March on Washington which inspired the nation and spread hope throughout the world. Little did King know that in just four decades the nation, which made it so hard for black Americans and white Americans to live peacefully together, would be celebrating its first African American President. As the nation celebrates Martin Luther King Day, it is only fitting to discuss Barack Obama's presidential victory as it relates to the late Martin Luther King and the civil rights struggles of the past.

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s was perhaps one of the most tumultuous times in American history; it was also during this time that Martin Luther King Jr., just like Barack Obama, shined as a beacon of hope for the American people. Through the tears of the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the fear during the March on Selma, King's peaceful movement for the civil rights of African Americans and the rights of all Americans helped to bring the country where it is right now. Knowing that the negative facets of some of the country wouldn't change overnight, all King wanted was peace and opportunity for the children of the future, including a two-year-old boy in Hawaii named Barack Obama. So what would King think of Barack Obama and the great shift that he has created in this country? It is certain that he would be incredibly proud and astonished at how great this country is and how far it has come since his days as a voice of the people.

It is very fitting when considering how influential King's work and sacrifices in the 1950s and 1960s are on Obama's victory today, considering that Obama's nomination acceptance speech was delivered on the 45th anniversary of the foresaid "I Have a Dream" speech. There is no greater connection that can be made between the two than this. So as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s day, it is only right that we take a moment and reflect on how significant King was in Barack Obama's current success and the progress that this nation has made since his untimely death.

-Taja Jones (268)