During his life, Dr. King made many thought-provoking speeches. Yet the four words that resonate the loudest for me on this day are these ever so familiar, "I have a dream..."
Each year we are challenged to ask ourselves how close we've come to making Dr. King's dream a reality. How close have we come to having EQUALITY for ALL? The answer to that question will vary based on those who are asked.
Some will say, "Equality? Why sure, there's equality for all. The dream has been achieved."
Ask most folks I know and the answer will be far different. "Equality has NOT been reached and we are still a long way from it."
I happen to agree with the latter.
As a Black woman I see what many don't. You may not agree with what I see, but that doesn't negate the fact that I see it.
I see the struggles that Black men face when trying to climb the corporate ladder. Sure, the ladder may be there for him to climb, but there are often rungs missing, making the climb that much more difficult. And before he can even begin to climb the ladder, he must make his way into the building(as in...get the job)where the ladder is located. Getting in...that alone is a major feat. Major. I speak not from supposition. I speak from fact, based on what I see and have seen in every corporate position I've worked in. There may be a handful of women in the office who look like me, but far fewer than a handful who look like my son, or dad, or brothers. They just aren't there. And not for lack of intelligence or willingness to work hard, but simply because of the color of their skin. That breaks my heart. And it's frustrating. Extremely frustrating for the Black man who WANTS to provide and do better for his family, yet is denied the opportunity. When these men are afforded career opportunities based on their knowledge and skill...that's when the dream becomes reality.
As the friend of many articulate, intelligent, ready-willing-and-able Black men...it saddens me because corporate America has made it exponentially more difficult for them to make it than it has their counterparts of other races. Heck, even Black women have an easier time getting in the door than Black men. Again...not supposition...fact. I've seen it for 20+ years and it hasn't changed yet. When I begin to see as many Black men in corporate America as I do Black women...that when the dream becomes reality.
As the mother of a young Black male who will one day be an adult Black man...it saddens me every time I have to warn him to be careful when he and his friends go to the movies at a particular mall in a certain neighborhood. He and his friends are intelligent, well mannered young men...future scientists, doctors, lawyers, preachers, etc. Yet in certain neighborhoods, none of that matters because all that's seen is the color of their skin. Our boys are not thugs. They are our children and have the right to become great men in our society...that's when the dream becomes reality.
When our young Black men are no longer shot and KILLED for simply walking through a neighborhood, or knocking on a door for help after a car accident, or having the music playing too loudly in a car...that's when the dream becomes reality.
When certain people are no longer denied the right to vote (yes...this is STILL happening)...that's when the dream becomes reality.
When mothers and fathers stop burying their young sons who were shot and KILLED by someone who looked liked their son...that's when the dream becomes reality.
When mothers and fathers stop burying their young sons who were shot and KILLED period...that's when the dream becomes reality.
So you see...we STILL have a long way to go. A very long way.
What will it take in order to make Dr. King's dream a reality? I think the first step is to make HIS dream OUR dream. Once WE own it, then it becomes personal and we'll work that much harder to make it happen.
Community Service - Yes
Community Activism - Yes
Lifting one another UP instead of tearing each other DOWN - Yes
PRAYER - YES!
These are just a few areas where we can begin to make a difference.
Now, Let the DIALOGUE begin: What suggestions do YOU have toward making OUR dream a REALITY?
Talk to me!
Til next time...
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