Honoring Dr. King: A Legacy of Dreams, Courage, and Community
Happy
Dr. Martin Luther King Day
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
-Maya Angelou
Today feels like a day of contrasts. We celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man whose vision changed the course of history, and simultaneously reflect on where we stand now as a nation.
I’ll be honest with you, my emotions have been all over the place. On one hand, I feel immense gratitude for the brilliance of the Civil Rights Movement, a time when ordinary people came together to achieve something extraordinary. On the other hand, I feel the weight of knowing how far we still have to go.
I’ve been reflecting on the movement’s essence: it wasn’t just about one leader. It was about a community of people who dared to dream of a better world. They didn’t wait for permission; they created change together.
Dr. King’s words echo in my heart today: “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” This was never about just Black Americans; it was about a nation learning to honor its promises to all of its people.
For me, this day holds a deeply personal meaning. My family would often remind me that I am one of the first in my lineage born with full civil rights. That truth is sobering. It reminds me that what I have today is not a guarantee, it’s a gift paid for by the blood, sweat, and resilience of those who came before me.
Dr. King and the movement didn’t act alone. Their power came from the people. Communities stood shoulder to shoulder, each person contributing their talents, ideas, and courage to the cause. The result? A collective force that could not be ignored.
And now, as we step into a new era, I find myself thinking deeply about community. Who do we choose to surround ourselves with? Who sees us, supports us, and reminds us of our power when we forget?
I also find myself missing the voices of those who inspired us—Maya Angelou, John Lewis, Chadwick Boseman. These were people who spoke with love, courage, and an unshakable belief in humanity. Maya once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Their words and actions remind us that our strength lies not only in what we achieve but in how we uplift others along the way.
I think of the women whose names often go unspoken—Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, Jo Ann Robinson, Ella Baker, Diane Nash. These women worked tirelessly in the shadows, orchestrating, organizing, and building a movement that changed the world.
As Black women, we’ve always carried this nation, organizing, planning, and protecting. Often without recognition. But now, there’s a shift. We’re stepping into a new chapter, one where we choose to protect ourselves, our communities, and our peace.
I believe Dr. King would be proud. I can almost hear him asking how he could support us, knowing full well that now is our time to restore, recalibrate, and reclaim. He once said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” And in this moment, that justice includes us.
So, as we honor Dr. King’s legacy, I invite you to pause and dream—not just for this nation, but for yourself. What does freedom look like for you? How would it feel to release the weight of obligation and build a life where your dreams flourish?
We are often taught to dream within the confines of what is “realistic,” but I challenge you to break free of those boundaries. As Michelle Obama reminds us, “Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own.” Your dream is yours to define, yours to live.
Ask yourself:
What will I envision?
What will I create?
What will I release?
How big will I dare to dream?
The Civil Rights Movement pushed this nation forward so that we could live our lives fully and authentically. Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech wasn’t just about a vision for society, it was an invitation for each of us to dream and act boldly in our own lives.
As we walk into this week, may we carry the courage of our ancestors and the wisdom of our elders. May we honor their sacrifices by daring to live the lives they dreamed of for us.
To all who paved the way: thank you for your courage, your brilliance, and your love.
