Had he lived, he would have been 79 years old today. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a pioneer of the civil rights movement and a Nobel Peace Prize winner did so much to change the face of our country and of the world we live in.
He lived his life in complete humility, cognizant of the weight and heavy burden of showing people how they can and should be free. Notwithstanding color or class, he preached and preached and preached freedom. Freedom for the masses and freedom for all. He certainly was ahead of his time during the movement of the 1960's. No one could see the vision that Dr. King had. Mainly those that opposed equal rights were the ones who fought Dr. King's stance on freedom and made his life and his work a difficult achievement. One that is still being fought today.
However, today, I want to personally thank Dr. King for the movement. Today I celebrate the life of a great man, a man who had a vision and followed that vision until his death. I too, have a vision. But without Dr. King's vision, persistency and unfailing devotion to the cause, my vision would have been squashed. Because of the vision he had and because of the steps that he took to work towards that vision, I have hope...and I have a chance. Being a minority and being a female are double reasons that I could use for under-achieving. Being born into poverty and lack and being shifted from home to home are also reasons that I could use to not try harder. Saying "it's too hard out here", or "no one is being fair to me" again are suggestive reasons that I could certainly use to perform sub-par or come in second. But The Movement and The Vision are what I use to motivate me. Yes, Dr. King leveled the playing field and now we work hard to compete, but are rewarded when we do.A dream? I have a dream too and with him I stand as he gave his famous speech and today my dream will be recognized alongside his. Thank you for dreaming, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And, happy birthday.In 1961, blacks could not even drink from the same water fountain as whites.
Today, I meet clients for lunch at places like The Club and we all drink together.In 1963, black and white children were not allowed to attend the same schools nor live in the same neighborhoods.
Today my daughter and my neighbor’s daughters not only attend the same schools, but they’re best friends and play together everyday after school.In 1964, the only work that most black females could find was cleaning, cooking and childcare for their white employers.
Today, I own my own business and manage my own time so that I can be available for my own children when the school bus arrives.Due to Dr. King’s vision, I am able to write for blog networks like Know More Media amongst my peers and professionals of excellent writing caliber. I am able to conduct intelligent conversations with other business people, colleagues and professionals on business, politics or religion. I am able to solve problems, manage people and lead organizations. All because of his vision.
» Celebrating Civil Rights Every Day - - Black History and Martin King Jr. Are from LeaderNotes
Today, I not only give reflective moments on Dr. King’s life, but I also give thanks to him and the Movement for the total and complete joy of my freedom. [Read More]
Tracked on: January 21, 2008 6:24 AM | Permalink to Trackback