Photo by Unsen Histories via Unsplash
Two score and sixteen years ago, Martin Luther King Jr., Christian minister, activist, and political philosopher presented his speech entitled “I Have a Dream”. His passionate presentation was a message of hope for a future where all men are not defined by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Fourteen years after this speech, Black History Month was founded in America, with Canada following in 1995. This month was created to recognize the struggles and achievements of black people across the diaspora while acknowledging the roles we all have in ensuring that racism is eradicated from our communities.
Almost 56 years after the death of Martin Luther King Jr, modern-day black men and women face much different realities than what Martin Luther had envisioned for us. In our society, it appears that we are more divided as a community than during the years of the civil rights movement. The dream King had for us was defined as freedom through the unification of all ethnic communities however, hate has hardened the hearts of my community, and we find it difficult to forgive the wrong done to us. Regardless, I too have a dream, where the black community can once again stand side by side with other ethnic communities. During this month, we look towards a future of freedom through unity.
One of King’s fundamental philosophies came from his religious background. As the pastor of Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, his impassioned sermons evolved into speeches that eventually led him to address audiences in front of the Lincoln Memorial. These biblical principles such as unity, peace, forgiveness, and justice are at the forefront of his advocacy and are presented in this historic speech. He quoted from the biblical book of Isaiah when he said,
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; “and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”
King’s dream was not only a dream that included the liberation of black people but also recognized that all mankind could see the glory of God through the veils of freedom. Freedom not only from racial inequality but through the unity of all ethnic groups. Nevertheless, contemporary society often emphasizes how race divides us The white community, particularly white men, are frequently portrayed as oppressors, regardless of their social standing. The black community may sometimes harbor feelings of resentment for the injustices done to us. My brothers and sisters, this is not the path we should follow.
This black history month, I want to remind us of the dream Martin Luther King had. Let us adopt the biblical principles he had, let unity be the path to freedom. King dream’s included black boys and girls joining hands w white boys an girls as brothers and sisters.His dream looks to a future, where a nation founded on patriotic principles will hold true to its vows of freedom. I too have a dream, that instead of hatred, may this be the month that we seek peace and if we are the ones that have to outstretch our hands in reconciliation, let us do so knowing that through unification, we can receive true freedom. This month let freedom ring from the waterfronts of Nova Scotia to
the mountains of Prince Edward Island as all communities stand together against the vicious ideology of racism.
This month we must be reminded that we are neither black nor white, but are all members of one race, the human race. My dream for the black community is for us to aspire for forgiveness and seek peace, only then will we thrive as a community. When freedom in our hearts is finally realized, then we can sing “Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last.”
