skrapnel

Each year when I was a kid, my mom and I would march in the MLK Day parade through downtown Dallas.  Walking hand-in-hand with our black brothers and sisters, we would sing old gospel spirituals and smile with the crowd.  We’d get to the final destination, watch some  footage of MLK’s speech and hear some new sermons.  I even met Jessie Jackson a few times.

I never understood racism.  My schools were mixed. Mom had several close black friends and so did I.  I was never taught to hate, but I knew that’s what we were marching against.

On Election night last year, those marches came flooding back to me.  When it was announced that Obama had won, I called my mom.  I couldn’t speak; I was crying so hard.

When I’d finally pulled myself together, I said: “This is what we marched for, Mom.  This is why we did it.  Even after all those marches, I never thought I’d see this in my lifetime.  We did it.  We conquered hate.”

“Yes, we did!” she said. [UPDATED: Was asked to post a pic of Mom. Here we are with one of her friends during her last visit to SF. Click to enlarge.]

It’s been just over 40 years since MLK gave his famous speech.  We read it every year in school, but it’s even more powerful if you can hear it.  That’s why I was excited to find this complete video footage of the “I Have a Dream” speech.

Watch it and remember the dream of America: a place where everyone has an equal chance to success.  A place where everyone can live free from hate.  A place where everyone can aspire to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

What’s your story?