By now one would hope that America & the world would truly understands the magnitude and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King jr. For me, as a black boy growing up in rural area Cincinnati, born in the late 80’s, it wasn’t hard appreciating the sacrifices he and countless others made. During my days in rural area Cincinnati, my community was chiseled by sights of KKK members riding through our neighborhood after a community uproar for justice against police brutality. To think that this was merely 17-18 years ago(2001-2003), just before my parents decided to pack up our family and move to Southern California. Our community witnessed yet another officer slaying a young black boy for his apparent perception of danger. Today, We still feel the heart pounding, stomach wrenching, and fear creeping as we still witness such injustice triumph, come verdict. This was what Martin so persistently fought against, turning in his grave, and I’m sure he would say: THE DREAM SHOULD NOT BE SOLD SEPARATELY!
Here we are, sitting in the year 2019, coming off a year that saw 18 killings ( A major decrease 🙌🏾) of unarmed black people, 68 killings in 2017, 54 in 2016, and 97 in 2015 (according to the Washington Post) During these times, the world looked on equally divided, ‘IT WAS JUSTIFIED,’ ‘IT WAS MURDER!’ When did the lines become so blurred?! When did blatant biases in our police protocol become so left winged?! When did white viewers become so naive?! THE DREAM SHOULD NOT BE SOLD SEPARATELY THEY SCREAMED.
If there’s one thing the legacy of Dr. King has taught us is that THE DREAM CAN NOT BE SOLD SEPARATELY! Justice is a generational fight! & Dr. King was surely a prophet! Despite our continuous fight, justice is a gradual, reoccurring, persistent matter- Our corrupt world calls for it to be! Everyday is a opportunity for us to either live within the dream of Dr. King or show just how pricey and unattainable the Dream really is. I choose to lean toward the later-The DREAM WILL NOT BE SOLD SEPARATELY!
My community feels the same way! Athletes have taken a stand and entered the living rooms of everyday privileged Americans’ -through sports. Community leaders, actors, rappers, and even some politicians have taken a stand and raised awareness, encouraged, and inspired everyday people to do things in their power to assure that the DREAM IS NOT SOLD SEPARATELY! People have voted, people have protested, officers have used sound thinking and proper protocol , people have boycotted, people have fought everyday, people have shown love and mutual respect to their neighbors despite their differences! People have been resilient, people have bled, people have died, people have loved and will continue to do so until this great fight is won, and the great Dream of Dr King continues to live on. And just as important as it is to expose all of the injustice around us, we should also acknowledge the growth! The journey is long but the amazing barriers we collectively continue to break through is inspiring! According to multiple sources black women business owners have increased nearly 58% (from 2007-2018), graduation rates in the black and brown community have also increased greatly. More black men are becoming millionaires and more importantly becoming influential leaders in their communities! We can go on and on about the great strides we all have taken, thanks to the sacrificial work of Dr. King & others
Dr. King eloquently exposed evil in a time where they called evil good. Dr. King intelligently laid the foundation and formula for dismantling a great oppression. Dr King dreamed of a day where everyday people can live in harmony until Heaven on Earth sings! Dr King pastored, mentored, and reasoned with the nation to - Let His People Go! Dr King passionately chanted -Let Freedom Ring! Dr. King was imprisoned, beaten, and killed for his belief in NOT letting the DREAM BE SOLD SEPARATELY, by a nation that was later tried and convicted for his KILLING. Dr. King humbly walked with God, understood Jesus, boldly walked among men, and never lost sight of the dream. Let freedom ring, let freedom ring! By God almighty!! Let Freedom ring!!!!
The Dream WILL NOT BE SOLD SEPARATELY!
On this day & always we remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King jr.
God Bless friends,
William A. Wallace
Beautifully Written 😁🙏🏽👌🏽