(http://i10.tinypic.com/2mesodj.jpg)
May I? I was going to post on the HHH thread, but then I thought it would be inadequate. Still, I think this man deserves a thread.
It's not so much to celebrate his death, but rather the man, his ideas, his actions, his words.
For one of my English classes I had to learn by heart his "I had a dream" speech and it was a revelation.
He very probably had flaws, but who hasn't, right?
He died today 39 years ago, aged 39.
j. U. d. E.
OMG!!!!! :o
My mother was born on the exact same date!! January 15 1929 - I never knew that!!
I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."
Thanks for that Clarissa - I teared up while reading (out loud, of course) that incredible creed!
But I have a question.
I was under the impression that the "I have a dream" speech also contained the lines "I've been to the mountain top". What speech is that line from? When did he say those memorable lines?
Truly remarkable man.
I was wondering that too. I thought it was the same speech. Anyone know?
Thanks Jude. I heard the part about "I've been to the mountain" with new ears.Yes. Quite chilling isn't it, that he held this speech the day before he was assassinated. It's as if he knew...... ?!