August 28, 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. He gave this speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial, in Washington D.C., where a quarter million people gathered in the shadow of the Great Emancipator. In this speech Dr. King repeatedly mentioned his vision. His vision was direct.
The speech draws upon the idea that the America was founded on the idea of freedom and justice for all people. Dr. King invoked the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. He discussed these founding documents and reminded the nation of the importance of them, and their share underlying principle: each and every citizen must be given an equal opportunity to their rights. Dr. King brought people of all backgrounds together to share in his vision. This vision was expressed in Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Fifty years ago, Dr. King reminded us that opportunity and freedom are the pillars of American society. These ideals are quintessentially American and belong to each and every one of us. Each one of us has the same rights as the other, and these rights are inalienable.
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Upon these rights, our nation is founded. Dr. King’s speech is widely accepted as the single greatest speech in American history. Today marks an opportunity to reflect on its import and build on its message.
