"In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds."
"But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice."
--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Speech delivered 28 August 1963
Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.
He believed it could happen.
It finally has.
Today, in a very significant sense,
America makes good on that promissory note.
Amen.
4 comments:
This is one of my favorite speeches. I've downloaded a bunch, and my kids even like to listen to them.
I've got a few more to add to that playlist.
I love reading MLK's speeches and sermons. I don't think everyone appreciates how smart and future-thinking he really was.
I find it interesting that there are only 2 comments on this post. Anyway, I will be honest and say I was not an Obama supporter, but when I realized what his presidency means to each and every person in this country, and especially the African American community, I, well...I've been moved to tears several times in the last week.
Thanks Kari. I don't think anyone was reading the blogs on Tuesday when I posted this...so it's OK.
I wasn't initially an Obama supporter, either...but changed my mind along the way, much for the reason you articulated. And I do think we will have improved international relations because of him.
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