A DREAM AND LIVING LEGACY

Kanwal Prakash "KP" Singh
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. symbolizes that one determined voice of conscience can make an unimagined difference in the life and spirit of our civilization. The inspiration for his non-violent movement to address the wrongs against the American Negro came from Mahatma Gandhi, Father of India's Independence movement. With exemplary moral courage, leadership, and stirring eloquence, King challenged that the continuing denial of equal rights, justice, and dignity to African Americans was unconscionable. U.S. law finally granted racial equality and freedoms to all citizens.

King dreamed of one America where people, "are judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." His passionate struggle, sacrifice, and legacy against the evils of prejudice continue to inspire countless discussions and decisions in communities and nations around the world. Like Gandhi, King became a torch that lit a thousand lamps, a messenger who touched a million hearts.

We are the beneficiary and guardian of King's noble dream. His message was evident at Brebeuf Jesuit last Saturday during the "Rock Against Racism," an event about music, having fun, and raising funds for the Tsunami Disaster Relief, expressing solidarity and kinship with "strangers" continents away. Dr. King would be proud of such concern for human life and suffering. Undoubtedly, such celebrations strengthen the spirit of his "dream." (4)