The crowd gathered at the University of Texas campus a few feet from the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for a short program prior to the walk. The Heritage Council did an outstanding job again this year in helping the community come together to celebrate King and his dream. There were several speakers who spoke of encouragement, remembering the dream and the need for change.
The people that gathered to honor King were diverse in age and ethnic backgrounds but the same in the reason they came. This reason would be unity, realizing King’s dream but also to show we still have a long way to go as a country and as individuals to eradicate racism and inequality.
The University of Texas President Dr. William Powers spoke about King’s dream of justice and equality still being a meaningful challenge today. He encouraged individuals to re-dedicate themselves to making King’s dream come true. The Student Body President at UT, Liam O’Rourke, reminded everyone that King’s dream has not yet been realized and there is still work to be done.
The program moved forward with Lamar Clark who did an oratory speech which he called King in heaven to let him know his dream. Kyle Clark, a UT faculty member, spoke about the need to still fight. He reminded the crowd of why King fought so we could fight and continue his dream today.
As the crowd marched to the Capital, people carried signs, children walked with their parents asking questions, and everyone walked together in solidarity of King’s dream. At the Capital the crowd grew larger and stronger. Again, you could see apart of King’s dream being realized with the diversity of the group standing together, listening and agreeing that his dream is alive but we have to continue to work.
Captain Louie White, the first Black police officer was honored for his years of service to the police force and the community. Congressman Lloyd Doggett started off the speeches. He spoke about President Barack Obama being elected president. He then stated that Obama being elected president does not guarantee change, but the opportunity for change, but the hard work has to be continued. Travis County Commissioner, Ron Davis gave an emotional testimony of how he lived through discrimination at a movie theater and a store lunch counter. These were places here in Austin Texas. He has seen how King’s dream gave him the ability to be an elected official and be apart of Kings dream. Mayor Lee Leffingwell spoke about King’s historical journey and fight for freedom and equality for all, Council Member Sheryl Cole pointed out that our city has been through several racially charged incidents involving our police department. Our cities character and strength has been tested yet we stand. She pointed out we cannot settle for discontent. She stated, “it is not about black or white power but God’s power.” Look the future in the eye and do not be afraid. Lastly, State Representative Dawanna Dukes stated this event was more than a memorial but a peaceful gathering of what Kings dream was all about. She talked about ensuring we honor Kings legacy of empowerment and equal rights from healthcare to homelessness. She wants to continue ensuring all rights are heard. Although we sing “We Shall Overcome” does not guarantee discrimination has ended.
This was a great celebration of Kings legacy and life. The message of the day was we have made some huge positive steps toward making Kings dream a reality, however there is still hard work to be done and we have to continue to strive to make the dream a true reality.
“Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
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