Today we observed the birth of a great American, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I am not sure there is any way that we, black or white, can fully grasp the impact that he has made, not only on our country, but on our world. A man who loved the Lord, loved all people, and loved this nation in which he lived. Many will argue his motivation and character, but that does not negate his attempts to right the injustices he saw with non-violent tactics. I find him an inspiration. It was only a few years ago, while doing some reading on the life of Dr. King, I read that his “I Have a Dream” speech was largely spontaneous. Sure, he had prepared a text to read, but about halfway into the speech he closed the folder and began to preach! This 16+ minute speech was the closing event of the 1963 March on Washington, and was carried live on major television networks of the day. On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, King evoked the name of President Lincoln, and is credited with mobilizing supporters of desegregation and prompting the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The next year, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. I am fully aware we still have racial issues and poverty in our country today, but to envision his impact, think what it might be like had Dr. King (or anyone) not stood up to the injustices of racism. A man thrust into the spotlight by his convictions and perseverence, he is perhaps what we desperately need in America today. I pray someday his dream is realized.
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