Speeches

Carrying out the Dream

In celebrating the birth of Martin Luther King Jr., we also celebrate his life and his unwavering commitment to the cause of equal rights and equal opportunity. I recently heard that during our last census, 249 racial and ethnic combinations in the United States were recorded. Two hundred forty-nine. 

Did any of us ever imagine such a multi-cultural nation? Even one generation ago, did we know our country would be as conscious of our multicultural dimensions as we are today? 

Despite our diversity, we recognize that Reverend King's dream is worthy of our attention and our aspirations. His dream must be carried out and, in the words of Dr. King, we should give "ourselves to this struggle until the end."The theme of this year's celebration, "A Legacy in Trust," is fitting for our University community because as an educational community, we have been entrusted to carry on Martin Luther King's legacy of social change and his courageous struggle for justice.

As an educational community, we have an obligation to dispel ignorance, foster understanding, stamp out injustice, and advance civility. We must continue to nurture the best in people and educate them about the world that Dr. King envisioned.

This occasion offers us the opportunity to re-examine our commitment to justice, equality, freedom, and unity. It is a reminder that Dr. King was a man of action-- not just dreams--and there is still unfinished business on which we must focus our attention.

A famous statesman once said that "Great individuals have two lives. One which occurs while they work on earth; a second which begins at their deaths and continues as long as their lives and conceptions remain powerful."

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is such an individual. His broad social vision lives today, but two questions remain:

"Will we continue to carry out his dream?" and

"Will you also have two lives for which you will be remembered?"