As I sat down to write this article, I admit, as a middle-aged Caucasian female, I knew very little of Martin Luther King Jr, other than he was a charismatic leader and civil rights activist that stood up for injustice back when this country was in such desperate need of unity and peace. My intent, as my original title “As MLK dreamt of peace, Donald Trump dreams of a piece; of turf beneath his golf cleats,” suggests, was to once again bash our current president, Donald Trump.

However, after doing research and reading Dr. King's “I Have a Dream” speech, I am compelled to leave Mr.

Trump out of the discussion, as it is now obvious he is not worthy of being in the same category of leader or article of recognition.

Growing up

Out in the middle of bean and cornfields, you will find my childhood home. The smell of horse manure and the sound of trains roaring through town were accepted as daily trappings. Growing up here I never had the opportunity to engage with people of other races or ethnicities outside of white Christians. Not until my adulthood did I realize there was a wonderful mixture of skin colors and beliefs. Where had all this beauty been my entire life?

Teachers of hate or love

Regardless of race or religion, we are all born of the same heart. We are born to love those around us, those who provide comfort and protection.

It is only when we are taught to hate that we allow such anger to taint our views. Dr. King was an activist and supporter of all people who suffered injustice. He wanted us to rid ourselves of the hate taught to us and find love for our fellow man.

One man, one change

Although MLK took it upon himself to stand up for all that were overlooked, he was but one man.

Yes, he had supporters far and wide, but he was still one man. This one man provided strength when there was none, he provided a voice when others were silenced, he fought injustice while others hid in fear. Martin Luther King Jr. was the one man that made one change. It was through him we as a nation began moving forward to equality and fairness for all.

We cannot turn back

Even after his death in 1968, Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream lives on. It lives on in the hearts of his children who still battle the intolerance and ignorance of others. It lives on in the hearts of the many tireless equal rights activists and supporters we see marching today. Although our current environment has created an innumerable number of barriers to realizing Martin Luther King Jr.’s hope of equality, we cannot turn back. Those who are strong enough and willing to follow in his footsteps will eventually bring forth MLK’s words; “I Have a Dream.”
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