Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream

January 21, 2008

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’”
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

On MLK day, I am reflective on the great work and undertaking of Dr. King to bring equal civil rights to our country. While he made great strides and inspired so many to stand up for their rights, a culture of racism and stereotyping still exists in America even now in 2008.

And that is something none of us should stand for.

Take Dr. King’s example today and apply it to your life. A racial joke said in passing or a disparaging comment said in jest about a certain racial group or sexual orientation or gender may not seem like a big deal at the time. But in reality, all of those things just add fuel to a culture of intolerance.

So say something. Don’t make disparaging jokes about other people. And if you overhear your friend or co-worker or even just someone on the street disparaging other people, even in a joking matter, let them now what they are doing is not only inappropriate, but hurtful.

Tell them it isn’t right.

Its the least we can do to honor Dr. King and the work he did to make America a better place. Live the dream.

RELATED: You can view the entire “I Have a Dream” speech here.