Fifty years ago in 1963, an immensely talented African American man uttered words that would change American history. Let freedom ring, I have a dream that our children will not be judged by their color, but the content of their character. This speech no matter how many times you read can make you learn and grow as a human being.
Here is the text of the full speech – I highly recommend framing it and posting it in your house and teaching your children about it.
It was 100 years before President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. And, as Dr. King’s eloquent and heartfelt speech states it – there were still sufferings in equal rights, economically, employment, housing, health care, and justice just to name few.
This speech was the tipping point for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which outlawed discrimination based on race, national, gender, religious, school segregation and public accommodations. Of course, many others followed including the 1965 and 1968 Civil Rights Acts.
All of this bloodshed, lives lost, generations suffered so that the next generation of African Americans would not have to go through the same pain and frustrations.
Fast forward to 2013 – 50 years later after the famous MLK speech and 150 years after Lincoln freed slaves. Black unemployment is the highest it has ever been and Minneapolis takes the cake of being the worst. Black education gap is higher than ever, Minnesota almost takes the cake – it is #48 worst out of 50 states. Black home ownership is at its worst, guess where it is the worst – wait for it….Minneapolis. Health disparity and gap for Blacks is at the bottom and Minn again one of the worst for health disparity gap even though it is one of the healthiest states. I can say more, but I am getting a headache.
As a Black autism advocate, I had the hardest time getting policy makers to understand equal means equal in Minnesota state legislature this year. It is why we need to rethink who we vote for and why. If we keep voting the same way, we will be at the bottom of every stat in another 50 years. If we don’t wake the heck up and demand equality means equality in employment, in opportunities, in education, in health care access and in justice, our children will be in worse shape. And, that is not a good legacy for any parent.
We need to fire and not vote for again any legislator who writes, votes and pushes unequal legislation or policy similar to the one Rep Norton has pushed for years for low income autism families who are disproportionately minorities. We can not afford to vote for the same people and somehow expect different policies.
On August 28, 2013 – there will be countless celebrations and remembrance across the country including one in Minneapolis. Here is the link and I urge folks to go and participate so that we are not asking for simple equality for another 50 years. Enough is Enough and the time for equal access to good education, healthcare & economic opportunities is today. I also highly recommend new immigrants from Africa go to these events and really take in and learn how our freedom today came about. We stand on many shoulders of African American leaders and we need to leave a better mark and policies in place for the next generation. Please note the Mpls events will take place on Sat Aug 24th, 2013.
Vote Wisely!
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Minority Advocate