King's Dream Will Never Totally Come True

CLEVELAND - Racism has always been a major stumbling block for this country, so even though we have made incredible progress to improve, it will never totally evaporate.

So much for that famous dream once shared by a King.

Today marks the 46th anniversary of what came to be known as the 'I Have a Dream' speech given by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King in Washington D.C. The lasting theme of that iconic speech was King's revelation of his dream of unity between people of all races and creeds. He articulated his ideals for a homogenized America, not a polarized one and it came during the apex of the Civil Rights movement. His words, so powerful when he delivered them, continues to resonate with Blacks all these decades later. But in spite of the major progress (in certain areas) made by us as a people, our country remains divided along racial lines and will always be that way.

That's the power of ignorance.

True, present day America is guided by a Black president named Barack Obama. His election last year was historical because it placed a black man in the White House as its top resident for the first time in history. But his seven month old administration has seen its fair share of racist threats and taunts and many Americans still harbor ill feelings towards others outside of their own race because of their race.

That is unfortunate.

We still have a long way to go because the destination is so vague. People inherit beliefs and philosophies from their ancestors and pass them on to their progeny. It's a vicious cycle without a conclusion and thus, a sad reality.

We'll never be perfect, so let's just pray for continued progress.

Malcolm X: A Gift and Curse For Black People

CLEVELAND - Malcolm X was one of the most controversial, polarizing figures of the 20th century. He was also endlessly complex, stunningly fascinating and enigmatic beyond belief.

I speak the truth.

Malcolm, a one-time high-profile member of the Nation of Islam was assassinated 44 years ago today in Manhattan's Audubon Ballroom. His death sparked a multitude of conspiracy theories, but his life inspired a litany of books, plays and films, most notably Spike Lee's 1992 epic starring the great Denzel Washington.

As celebrated as Malcolm was amongst Blacks for his radical views on race, he was detested by Whites (and some in the Nation of Islam) even more. While it is true that a segment of the black population found fault with his views back then, he has been hailed as an inspiring, seminal figure during the past 20 years. In 1989, militant rap group Public Enemy celebrated him endlessly during their "Fight the Power" era as if he were the perfect role-model for Blacks.

He wasn't.

Malcolm was a man who often spoke disparagingly of White people. In many ways, he was the precursor to the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, even sparking public outrage with a shocking comment about President Kennedy's assassination a week after it took place. He encouraged Blacks to rise up by essentially pushing down the white man. These divisive views were even more glaring when compared to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

King was all about equality and peace. He wanted Whites and Blacks to have the same rights and occupy the same space in harmony. In his final years, King repudiated the burgeoning Black Power Movement largely because it furthered the divide already in place between the different races. Malcolm X not only condoned Black Power, he encouraged it. Now I'm no idiot, I fully understand any Black person's hostility towards Whites during the 1960's, but the way he unleashed his vitriol was counterproductive to any advance we as a people could have ever made. If we followed Malcolm's beliefs, we could never embrace or support President Barack Obama, who is a product of interracial love.

I'm just saying.

In spite of it all, Malcolm X was an intelligent and profound thinker. He just seemed a bit misguided and immature, things that may have turned around had he lived longer. He still deserves to be recognized as influential and key to the evolution of Black people in America.

But he was no MLK.

As Dr. King Turns 80, Obama Represents His Dream Come True...Sort Of

CLEVELAND - Today is the 80th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth and Monday is the federal holiday bearing his name.

Add Barack Obama to this MLK mix.

President-elect Obama, elected in November as the nation's first ever African-American president will take the oath of office on January 20 during his historic inauguration, merely one day after King's holiday and five days after his birthday.

My, the symbolism.

King was a relentless advocate for change and equality amongst races. As the most visible Civil Rights activist in history, MLK was a constant target for the bitter racists that pervaded this country, especially during the segregated 1960's. As a result, he was gunned down in 1968.

Obama has been something of a "knight in shining armor" to Blacks during the past year. Blessed with obvious intellect and brilliant oratory skills, the former Illinois senator represents King's dream of an inclusive United States, where a person's race doesn't define or deny him.

But, all is not peachy keen.

Racism is still very much alive in this country. Many idiots spewed horrible epithets at Obama and hung stuffed monkeys from trees etc. during his campaign in an effort to mimic the horrifying lynchings of the past. Many folks will never accept him as our leader simply because of his race.

Nonetheless, Obama's current position is nothing short of amazing. It was unthinkable in King's day to even fathom a Black president. Now Obama is not only our President (elect), he actually appeals to many Whites!

Wow.

On this great day when Dr. King came into this world, I want to once again congratulate my friend Barack Obama. He's already done America a public service.

He's proven that there is hope for us after all!