It has become a tradition with me on the day of the King Day Celebration to take time to reflect on what Dr. King did for us. I think, as a people, it is something we should do both individually and collectively. One year, while doing my reflecting, I wrote a piece called Keep Dreaming. I'd like to share some of those thoughts with you. As I reflected on Dr. King's life and the things that have transpired since he was killed, I found myself wondering what Dr. King would say if he were here today? What would he say if he could see our children dying on the nation's streets as they fight brother against brother? What would he say if he could see so many of our young men physically rotting behind bars, and mentally locked behind bars imposed by drug and alcohol abuse. What would he say to learn that in spite of all of his efforts, racial prejudice and hate is still alive and well today?
I think if he were here today he would tell us that we are the only ones who can place limitation on our dreams, that we have to dream high and reach higher. I think he would say to us, keep the dream alive and never stop moving forward. I think he would want us to do more than wait for our 40 acres and a mule. I think he would want us to strive towards personal excellence by educating ourselves and seizing every opportunity that life has to offer. I think he would fight to eradicate gang violence and unite gang members for a positive cause. I think he would seek to help us realize the significance of returning to familiar values and morals in order to strengthen and rebuild the family unit. I think he would tell us to that in order to save our children, we as parents, must invest our time and develop an interest in securing their future. Finally, I think he would say, my people keep marching, keep striving, keep praying and keep dreaming!