Reflections on a Dream

Reflections on a Dream

By Phyllis Wilder

This past weekend I was honored to attend the white-tie, star studded event MLK: A Monumental Life, a musical theater production chronicling the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The performance was held at Washington, D.C.’s DAR (Daughters of the Revolution) Constitution Hall. Cast members captured Dr. King’s early days at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta through the civil rights movement.

Though the event was a joyous celebration of his life, it was not long ago that the African-American contralto Marian Anderson was denied the right to sing in Constitution Hall. To be present for an occasion to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. in that very place and listen to mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves sing "Ave Maria" by Schubert—was one of many poignant moments of the presentation. 

For me, it served as a reminder of the sacrifices he and many others made for African Americans to enjoy today’s freedoms and luxuries. I am humbled and honored to have been a witness to the completion of MLK’s memorial on the National Mall during the tenure of the nation’s first African American President. The fulfillment of the dream continues.

'Freedmen' Still Fighting for their Dream

'Freedmen' Still Fighting for their Dream 

Excitement and pride have been justifiably juxtaposed with calls to action throughout the blogosphere as media anticipation for the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. monument reaches a climax.

Just three days from now, on the anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech (audio below), the National Mall’s first memorial for an African American will receive its formal dedication.

While media and bloggers are quick (and right) to draw attention to the aspects of Dr. King’s speech that still ring true –

“The Negro still is not free … the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination … the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity … the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land…”

– some Blacks find themselves fighting discrimination in a surprising and under-publicized situation.

Earlier this week the Supreme Court of the Cherokee Indian nation, the second-largest tribe in the country, upheld an earlier decision to expel its Black descendents, called Freedmen.

The link in question between African Americans and Indians goes back to the 1800s, when the US Government began to forcibly remove the tribes from their land. By that time many Indians had adopted the Europeans’ inclination for slaves, who were forced to accompany them on the “Trail of Tears.”

As the Civil War ensued, the Indian nations freed their slaves and the majority of the ‘Freedmen’ were granted citizenship within their tribes. They received full rights as citizens, including access to health care and education benefits. With the repeal of said citizenship, thousands of ‘Freedmen’ descendents will lose those benefits and find themselves once again shunned for a history of subjugation.

This time, however, it’s at the hands of another historically abused minority group. Which begs to question:

Is camaraderie and understanding between minority groups a moot expectation?

MLK "I Have a Dream"

For more information on the ongoing legal battles visit the website for the “Descendants of Freedom of the Five Civilized Tribes.”

McKPR Salutes the Freedom Riders at 50 Years Today

 McKPR Salutes the Freedom Riders at 50 Years Today

Today marks the 50^th anniversary since a group of Americans united to fight for the right of all African Americans to use the same seats, bathrooms and water fountains on public transportation systems that whites could use. The stakes were high in 1961—a time when opposition toward civil rights activists had reached its deadliest point, but this diverse group of young people never lost sight of the prize. Ultimately, their efforts and those of others involved in the Civil Rights Movement led President John F. Kennedy to ban segregation along bus and train lines. Join us as we salute these brave leaders who risked their lives on behalf of our future.

Read more here "Freedom Riders Mark 50 Years," USA Today