Black History Month: Living a Dream or Still Dreaming?
As we enter Black History month in 2021, The American Dream is a recurring topic for everyone, especially African Americans. The American Dream is an entity that most people want to obtain in some way or another. The American Dream for one person may look completely different than the vision of the American Dream for another person. For some it may include a luxury car, impressive house, six figures, two kids, and a dog. Then for another it may include financial freedom, elimination of debt, and entrepreneurial success. Meanwhile, there is someone somewhere that wants complete change, restoration, success, and wealth for themselves and every person around them no matter the race, age, gender, or background. However, what they have in common is that there is a goal and desire to get their highest aspiration without discrimination, bias, or prejudice. African American history cannot be mentioned without mentioning Dr. Martin Luther King Jr or his infamous “I Have a Dream Speech”. This infamous speech honed in all of the events that took place prior to 1963 for African Americans and all of the trials, tribulations, struggles, and obstacles that they had to overcome. Most importantly, it gave hopes and aspirations of a time where the struggles of African Americans would be a figment of the past and they would have equal opportunities. Time, persistence, sweat, tears, and tenacity has afforded many African Americans to live their American Dream, but there are still many that are still waiting for the opportunity to make their dream a reality.
There are many famous lines of the I Have a Dream speech, but I would like to draw attention to the following line from that speech: “It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment.” (King, 1963). 2021 has presented African Americans with a sense of urgency in so many ways. A sense of urgency to continue to make strides for African American equality, opportunity, and justice. There is also an urgency to become and remain a united front. Everyone knows that there is power in unity and therefore, during a crucial time as this, unity is key. January 20, 2021 united people all over the world in a celebration and inauguration of the 46th President, Joe Biden and first minority female Vice President, Kamala Harris. The newly elected President said it best himself, “This is America’s Day. This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope. Of renewal and resolve” (Biden, 2021). For so many both living and deceased, a day like that one was merely just a dream. However, with a united group of dedicated, determined, optimistic, and hopeful citizens, a mere dream became a reality. “We look ahead in our uniquely American way – restless, bold, optimistic – and set our sights on the nation we know we can be and we must be.” (Biden, 2021). Now that the reality has set in, it is time to take action.
The recent progressions in the Democratic system for African Americans gives a sense of hope, celebration, and inspiration that the American Dream is attainable. As we embark in the celebration of Black History Month, there are some that feel that despite the accomplishments, there is still a lot of work left to do. “Over the centuries through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we have come so far. But we still have far to go. We will press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and possibility.” (Biden, 2021). This Black History Month and every Black History Month to come, we must celebrate the milestones, the accomplishments, and achievements, but still press forward with the same sense of urgency until there are no forms of injustice, inequality, bias, or discrimination plaguing this nation.
“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.” (King, 1963). The constant injustice, unjust killing of African Americans, bold demonstrations of racism, hatred, and discrimination is evidence that despite the advances in society, there are elements of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech is still that, a dream. Black History brings much to celebrate, refreshing sources of hope and optimism, but yet also a call for action. Africans Americans as a whole cannot live the American Dream if only a few experience it, the American Dream must be attainable for everyone who wants it.
References
Biden, J. (2021, January 20). Inaugural address. [Speech audio recording]. Inaugural
Address by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. | The White House
King, M. (1963, August 28). I have a dream. [Speech audio recording]. NPR. 'I Have A
About Dr. Nishika T. Edwards
Dr. Nishika Edwards is a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina. She has committed herself to giving back to her hometown, an underserved area, through education, social work, ministry, and most importantly through her leadership. As a transformational leader, she is committed to maximizing individual student performance, impacting the lives of learners, being a lifelong educator, and instilling a sense of pride among all. She is passionate about inspiring others and building a sense of confidence in academia and enabling youth to grow and succeed as learners. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, two Master’s in Education, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with a Specialization in Higher Specialization. She is also an author and Sole Proprietor of Kingdom Learning Interventions, LLC.
