Today, on a cold morning in Alabama, I draw memories of what this day represents not only as a national holiday but because I have witnessed many things in my lifetime as I grew up during the civil rights movement.
I hear people saying that I’m living the dream. But are they? I also remember where I was in 1968 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. So that you’re aware, I was in the 7th Grade in Fort Riley, Kansas.
Ironically, on this third Monday of January this year, it’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s actual birthday.
Last year, on July 21, 2023, when the US Postal Service (USPS) released the Forever stamp to honor the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis, I was elated.
The John Lewis stamp was my connection with civil rights and Martin Luther King Jr. For those not born during the civil rights movement or before Martin Luther Kings era, that connection may not mean anything to you today. However, it’s part of the dream!
For me, it’s a specific manifestation of what it means to live the dream.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s. “I Have a Dream speech” was given over 60 years ago. Although I was not physically there then, I still have images mixing in with the crowds as I did on the National Mall for President Barack Obama’s historic 2009 inaugural address.
Although the temperatures were below freezing, I had a prime viewing spot for the inauguration, thanks to my brother-in-law.
I could manifest what Martin Luther King Jr had said years before I even saw it in 2009!
Little did I know I would be one of the 1.8 million people seeing his dream manifest.
Presidential Inaugurations: By the Numbers — Historic America
On August 28, 1963, when Martin Luther King, Jr., took the podium at the March on Washington, he addressed a crowd of 200,000 people or more. That’s still an impressive number, given the year it happened!
In his speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. also imagined a future in which “the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners” could “sit down together at the table of brotherhood,” a future in which his four children are judged not “by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Martin Luther King Jr. Gives “I Have a Dream” Speech (nationalgeographic.org)
I feel honored knowing that the intentionality of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. followed his calling.
As I walk in faith and understand my calling, I’m reminded of the words, “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you.”
John 15:16 NABRE – It was not you who chose me, but I who – Bible Gateway
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, whose birthday we celebrate today, has a specific calling, just as the words of Samuel resonated in my mind when he said: “Speak Lord Your Servant is Listening.”
Speak Lord, Your Servant Is Listening! – The Bible Challenge
I’m honored on this day to have physically visited the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Atlanta, Georgia) and walked the streets of Selma, Montgomery, and Birmingham Alabama. I continue to see how his dream has become a challenge and not become a destination for me.
As I continue to make Martin Luther King Jr’s dream a reality, specific connections remain within me. Specifically, my father who was born in Birmingham, AL and my mother’s heavenly birthday, which I recently celebrated three days ago. I can imagine that with her having a birthday so close to his (January 12, 1933). Those seeds of grace were planted for me to follow.
Today, I visit Birmingham at least twice a month, knowing something about Birmingham, AL, represents something in my life. Not just because of my father but also because of those that were oppressed and continue to be in different forms of hate.
I grew up in a military family and then joined the military. Growing up, I had to prove myself constantly every day. I see it in the eyes of those who walk the streets in my community and where I have traveled throughout Alabama.
This past Saturday, January 13, 2024, I attended the MLK Prayer Breakfast at the Cathedral of St. Paul Life Center in Birmingham, AL, and was inspired by the attendance.
My reasons for being inspired were the conversations I had at my table with those of a different race and what I learned during the event.
I also received in the mail yesterday a book that was recommended to me by one of the sisters that I was engaged in the conversation during the MLK Prayer Breakfast. The book is called “Birmingham Then and Now” by Todd Keith, which she highly suggested I read.
In less than 36 hours, I have the book and intend to read and get more acquainted with the fine print and pictures today.
In November 2022, I visited the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and will continue to see more historical places within Alabama.
I attended the MLK Prayer Breakfast last year as well; however, this year in attendance, there were various Bishops, Priests, Lay Sisters, or a community of nuns who are serving the physical and temporal needs of Birmingham Dioceses and other Church denominations and Catholic organizations present.
Today, I feel our youth are missing opportunities to attend these types of celebrations because they don’t see the struggle we have endured over the years. I remain optimistic with so many organizations keeping the dream alive.
I’m grateful for who I am because of my ancestors, and It’s my wish that the children of tomorrow will be able to say the same thing.
My education taught me to think critically and live by a higher standard.
It goes back to the words if we only realize who’s we are, and who we are, in keeping Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s dream a challenge and not a destination!
Enjoy this day and continue to keep the dream alive!
McKinley, Although Dr. King’s Dream is still alive I feel the impact of his life and legacy fades with each new generation. I had a pretty good childhood that was much better than my parents had in the Jim Crow South. I want to protect my kids from such racism but still want them to know and appreciate what their grandparents and great-grandparents had to endure to ensure a better life for all of us!!
Scott,
What you write is a tough task because not all feel the same way. My Parents are no longer living and understand what they went through during the Jim Crow era. We still have areas that have deep roots linked to it. Our actions must speak louder than our words if this going to change and keep the dream alive.
McKinley
I feel the Dream is under attack. I ask what is WOKE? I feel some people do not want to acknowledge our accomplishments and what to oppress our thoughts and dreams. We must stand up for what is right and continue educate.
Don,
Thanks for your comments. You are correct. The values that I continue to see are not always hidden and society continues to accept it as being okay. Look at the news with what just occurred in Iowa. For eight years even when Barack Obama was President, we witnessed it and still witness it today. Critical Race Theory not being taught in schools is a prime example between the Democrat and the Republicans. It will be up to our youth and yourself to vote for what is right.
McKinley