Forty-five years to the date of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.' s "I Have a Dream" speech, Democratic nominee Barack Obama delivered an acceptance speech for the ages. It was a speech that would have made King proud.By no means did Obama's speech compare to King's in terms of the social and political impact on greater America, but the speech was paramount in realizing the dream that was born out of King's momentous speech.
The context of the Obama speech was workmanlike rather than inspirational (but it did inspire). It covered the gambit of policy issues. And the main punch line was that John McCain equals more of the same.
But as important as the speech, it was the date itself that was significant -- Aug. 28. For those who believe in fate, destiny appears to be rearing its head. Obama's acceptance speech marks the first time in history that an African-American has led a major party.
This feat is embodied in the "I Have a Dream" speech. King stated, "Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood."
King's fight against racial injustice and lifelong dedication to promote social and political equality has taken some time to accomplish (and is still a work in progress). But many Americans now believe Obama can be that unifier.
Obama's plight is storybook, emerging from both the roots of Kansas and Kenya, which are worlds apart. But notwithstanding his racial and ethnic background, Obama appears to be poised to lead the United States in a direction it has never gone and that is to "not be judged by the color of (his) skin but by the content of (his) character."
Obama has the capacity to make the dream a reality. In his acceptance speech, he stated, "I will restore our moral standing so that America is once again that last, best hope for all who are called to the cause of freedom, who long for lives of peace, and who yearn for a better future." These are the kinds of words that have truly inspired some, while others have dismissed them as mere rhetoric.
In King's last speech before his death, he professed, "I've been to the mountaintop.... And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land." The election of Obama to the White House would be a promise fulfilled, not only for black America, but also for America as a whole. It is as important for America to elect Obama as it is for Obama to be resilient, steadfast and make the sacrifice to be elected. The time is now to finish the civil rights movement spearheaded by King and other pioneers.
William T. Hoston is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University.
3 comments:
Dr. Hoston you hit it on the head. The dream will be fulfilled. And America does need to elect Obama for social and political progress. But you know white folks. It aint no tellin what they will do.
Awesome article.
The "I Have a Dream" speech was great, yes; but I would say that Obama's speech compared favorably with it. I was just six years old when King gave his speech, so I can't honestly say it was the greatest I ever saw, as in live. Obama's was. I expect his inaugural speech to be even better, given of course that the Republicans don't steal a third election.
Nice blog here. I look forward to reading more soon.
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