Letters for April 2: Dr. King

Dear Dr. King,

It's happening. You said, "I have a dream that one day... the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood" in that speech you made on the steps of the Lincoln memorial on August 28, 1963, and I wanted to let you know that 45 years later it is finally happening thanks to David A. Wilson (son of former slaves) and David B. Wilson (son of former slave owners).

Though things are still very rocky, as they would be with anyone who hasn't communicated in 45 years, especially about a subject that is still so terribly sore, I think that your heart would be warmed at the effort. Thanks to David A. and his documentary called Meeting David Wilson, our country is beginning to have genuine dialogue - without argument and confrontation - about slavery, racism, the condition of our education system with regards to these, and the issues that still fuel the white supremacy mindset (and the results of that mindset in the black community).

In November we have the opportunity to elect a president who is mixed - both black and white. Of course, I'm talking about Barack Obama who happens to speak with a similar inspirational style that you practiced while you were with us. He too is hoping for change in our country. People say that Obama is the man who "transcends race," a statement that I find particularly odd because race shouldn't be something to transcend. It is merely something that is. There is no need to be colorblind, rather we must be colorloving. Let's look at color in all of its beauty and ugliness - both black AND white and all the shades in between and beyond.

Anyway, I hope David A. Wilson's documentary finds its way into as many homes and classrooms as possible. It is important and moving. It is another step in the march that you began, Mr. King.



Sincerely,
Ginger