Forty years ago today Martin Luther King was shot and killed. I was just a baby, but everything about that day informed my childhood. I was one of those four little children Dr. King dreamed would one day live in a nation in which we would not be judged by the color of our skin. And that’s why his death tore a hole in our hearts.
Martin had a voice so full of hope, so powerful that it could shatter the chains of oppression. And thanks to him, we’ve come a long way. A black woman is the face of America overseas, her predecessor, also black, has often been talked about for the Presidency. And while he’s declined, another man is a viable candidate for that highest office in the land. And all that’s good, but it’s not all good.
The schools are still segregated, our cities are in decay, and one in nine young black men is in prison. The dreams of true equality died with Dr. King on that day, so on this anniversary, let’s pick up the mantle and restore his dream.
- Jami Floyd, “In Session” Anchor/360° Contributor
Read more Jami Floyd blogs on “In Session”
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| Cindy |
April 4th, 2008 5:12 pm ET Jami, Cynthia, Covington, Ga. |
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| Leroy Sims |
April 4th, 2008 5:38 pm ET The dream didn’t die with King. Quite to the contrary, the dream is alive and well. It is used mainly by every minority group in this country except for the blacks. Just by insuating that the dream is dead further instil in our generation that things are just the way they are. I rufuse to believe this so instead of saying the dream is dead get up and do something to make sure it doesn’t die. |
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| Rose from Southern Calif |
April 4th, 2008 6:35 pm ET When we get rid of people like the KKK’s and others like them then we can say Dr. King’s dream have come true. |
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| Annie Kate |
April 4th, 2008 9:37 pm ET Jami The dream needs to be restored for everyone, regardless of race. As people we need to learn to respect and rejoice in our diversity - rather than use it as a divisive factor. We need to stop putting labels on people - African American, Hispanic, etc. and learn to see each other as Americans and as people. Rejoice in our differences - it is part of what makes this a great nation. Annie Kate |
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| Sunae, Jacksonville, Fl |
April 4th, 2008 11:00 pm ET Everyone needs to re-commit to MLK’s DREAM. |
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