On April 4, 1968 Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated from his second story balcony at his hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. News of the event brought the nation into a collective mourning and an outpouring for anger among black Americans. King had led the civil rights movement for two decades using a combination of speeches and non-violent protests. What was being fought for then is still being fought for today and I hope we truly can come “out of the mountains of despair, a stone of hope.” 

 “The time is always right to do what is right.” We are at a deep crossroads in our nation, there are many divisive topics and realities, what side of history do you want to stand on? We must learn to live together as a united people, we may not have a shared history, but we should listen to each other’s stories and work toward a shared future. “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” Take up a paddle and paddle together.  

MLK’s “I have a dream” speech is still one of the most famous speeches in history and a signature moment of the civil rights movement. Weaving in recognizable references to the Bible, Founding Fathers, the US Constitution and asking for the promise that was made for all men. The promissory note that many Americans are still looking to be cashed. As we remember Martin Luther King Jr today, I urge you to look at the whole dream and not just with the one speech, but what he stood for his entire life. What can the legacy mean for you?