“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!”
-Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, 28 August 1963
Martin Luther King did some amazing things. If those things should be elevated to the ranks of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, or those who fought and died in the Civil War or World Wars—those others whom we honor with national holidays—you have to decide that for yourself.
Rev. King was killed before I was born. Today, I am not amazed that we will have our first President who has color of skin closer to Rev. King than George Washington.
I am amazed that the son of an immigrant can make his way through the ivy league, back to the streets of Chicago, and on to the White House.
I am amazed that every few years, we peacefully pass the reigns of the most powerful government on earth.
I am amazed that despite America’s many troubles, our children may yet be able to rise above the sins of their fathers.
(Full text, audio and video of Rev. King’s speech.)