Looking at the pictures from that day in 1963, and there are thousands of pictures, Martin Luther King's speech was an incredible feat because it was centred on hope and faith in his country. Dr King gave his life for his people and country, because he knew there was something better. There was a better way for America to go than the segregated restaurants, buses, cities, and states. A better way where his children and his fellow citizens' children could play side-by-side. A better way where black men and white men could work and live together happily. He knew there was a Promised Land somewhere. A Promised Land where there is no hatred, racism, discrimination, injustice. A Promised Land where peace, love, and compassion towards one another would be viewed.
As he looked out over the promenade in front of Lincoln's Memorial and spoke those famous words, Dr King probably saw a glimpse of that better nation he dreamt of: in the crowd that day, there were white and black people united and unified. Was that what Dr King's dream was: a country that reflected what he saw before him from that platform?
Martin Luther King's dream has not been fulfilled completely. Yet, progress has been made on the journey towards the Promised Land he believed in and died for. As America and the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, looking towards the future, there are clear signs that Dr King's dream is being realised.
First there was the hope that Abraham Lincoln showed as he signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1883, so fervently described by Dr King and remembered by the memorial in Washington. Then there was the hope that Dr King brought in 1963, now remembered with the newest memorial in the United States' capital. Although he did not live to see significant progress, before his assassination in 1968, Dr King continued and continues to look over America, and indeed the world as this anniversary shows, as his dream and the hope for peace, love, and compassion towards one another continues.
The memorial is not just a symbol for America though. It is for the world. The things Dr King died for still resonate today globally. While the Holocaust and First and Second World Wars provide important lessons for today, the history of the American Civil Rights Movement is also relevant for today. It is not just a racial relevance though. Injustice... racism... discrimination... hatred... are seen in the news, media, and society today. Yesterday, the House of Commons voted against British action in Syria. President Assad and his side, the rebels, the jihadist groups are engulfed in a situation that involves all of these. The British Prime Minister has said that war crimes have been committed there. Whoever is doing so worse is irrelevant for now. The point is that the democratic, equal country and peaceful, compassionate Promised Land Dr King dreamt of is not happening. Syria is only one example. There are many more cases where inequalities are apparent. The values of peace, equality, justice and unity must be the driving force of any solution to the Syria conflict and other global situations. Dr King's famous speech to America is not just a pro-America and pro-democracy one, but a pro-world and pro-peace one.
Listen to global figures read Dr King's 'I have a dream speech' (the link is at the bottom) and remember the hope that he had for his people and country. However, you may also feel that due to the concept of the video and recording, his speech is suddenly relevant for the world; it does not sound like it is just a personal matter, relevant for the black people, rather it sounds like he is speaking to you and to me. Democracy is about 'them' as much as it is about 'us'. 'I have a dream today' is about 'us' as much as it is about 'them'.
There are many other links, videos, and articles about Martin Luther King, his speeches, and civil rights movement on the BBC website to explore. History can tell us a lot about today so have a look at them. Look into the reasons and decisions around Syria and the British vote. What about writing to your MP about the issue; after all it is a democracy where they represent the people. But let's remember and celebrate that famous speech, man, and day 50 years ago, and not just for that famous line, 'I have a dream'.
Click to listen to this new recording of the speech:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23853578
[at the bottom of the page there are further links to other material]
Click to find out about the British vote in parliament:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-23892783
Click to learn about the US's response:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/obama-administration-prepares-intelligence-case-on-syrian-use-of-chemical-weapons/2013/08/29/3002f180-10b6-11e3-bdf6-e4fc677d94a1_story.html?wpisrc=nl_politics
Click to find your local MP and how they voted [plus, information about how to contact them]:
http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/index.php
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