We Must Continue To Dream
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s March on Wasthington (August 28, 1963)
President Obama’s Second Inaugural Address (January 21, 2013)
No matter how you feel about President Obama, and what he has done or hasn’t done, he is a shining example how Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream has become almost a reality. I say almost because we still need to continue to strive for his dream for equality always, and also remember because we must not forget what has happened in the darkest parts of our history so it may never be repeated again.
I may not be of African descent, but I am a woman who is a descendant from immigrants. So I connect very much to immigrant issues, and women’s rights. In a declaration two centuries ago, we “were guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Through out our American history, we have faught to receive the rights deserved by every citzen but as well to keep them.
I’m reminded to day, just like every time I vote, that I’ve got an amazing opportunities that I should never take forgranted. This should be the same for everyone. Don’t let today be just another holiday, but a chance to remind ourselves of our wonderful opportunities. Look through our Bill of Rights, and remember those who faught to give each one those rights to us. Read through Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Speech, and remember why he faught for the collective dream of equality.
If we didn’t have people like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Susan B. Anthony, our lives would be completely different. Even those authors before us, who have written down their stories may it be fiction or non-fiction. For they open doors that we can walk through. Many have taken a stand to make sure their voices were heard, as well as the voices of others. Let us not forget that.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
We have to continue to make sure our voices are heard. Not just heard, but that they make a difference. If we don’t say anything about something that really affects us, then it won’t change. Just as President Obama said today, during his inaugural speech, “It is now our generation’s task to carry on what those pioneers began.”
How can we, as citzens, do to carry on? Well, first keep calm, for which is the only way we can focus on our thoughts. “To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” – Anatole France
We may never know what lies ahead, for our future is obscure. Though with faith and hope, it will be our driving force for everything we continue to do in our lives.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
We must continue to learn, for it’s the only way we can grow. It’s not just in the classrooms, though that is important, but also out in the world. It doesn’t even have to cost a lot. Just go by your local library. Though we have to remind those who are in the classrooms, how valuable learning can be and what an incredible opportunity that they have.
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
It’s also how we use that knowledge with our personality that can truly make a difference just like those before us. It’s difficult when it feels like every thing costs. If you really want some thing, that’s when you’re determined to do anything in your power to get there, no matter the cost. It helps to have faith because then you’re able to get through all the difficulties, and power on. Also with imagination, nothing seems impossible.
“I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.” – Langston Hughes
Though we have to remember that we can’t get every thing we want in life, but that shouldn’t stop us from dreaming. I have a dream today. I have a dream that we continue to strive for equality, freedom, liberty, and happiness. I have a dream that we continue to hold strong to our beliefs, as long as we don’t restrict others, be open to listening to all sides, and be willing to compromise. I have a dream that all those who are artists (from painting, photography, music, writing, science and so much more) continue to thrive by letting their imagination have no bounds, let their souls grow with love, and have opportunities to share their talents to the rest of the world.
Louisa May Alcott
“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.” – Louisa May Alcott
We, female writers, have come a long way. We don’t have to hide our identity to get others to read our work. Writing has given us a power to overcome our greatest difficulties, and be an inspiration for others. It has given us a way to voice our opinions, and persuade. We’re able to write about the world around us.
There will always be difficulties for us to accomplish our dreams, but we have to remember that sometimes the difficult road can bring us to the most wonderful rewards. We have to open doors for the future generations of women writers, and inspire them to continue to share their voice right along side the amazing men who write as well.
No matter who you are, don’t let all those past, present and future dreams end today, but continue to be a reminder to always dream of a better future. That way we help others reach their dreams, just as much as our own.
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