As I type these words on the actual 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech; I am filled with a sense of accomplishment in regards to how far this country has come in the last five decades. At the same time, I am filled with a high sense of realism concerning the harsh realities of what America is today. And I also feel a sense of cautious optimism as I think of this country’s future potential.
That’s some pretty schizophrenic thinking, huh?
Regardless of how multi-dimensional my thoughts are, they are sentiments that seem to be the consensus for many people.
“We have come very far over the last 50 years,” said one gentleman I spoke with who is in his early 60s. “But we still have problems that are still major issues for all people in this country.”
When I asked him whether he thought America could overcome those problems, he answered with a resounding yes.
“I’m not too old where I think we’ve reached our height as a country, but I’m also not too young to think problems don’t exist. I believe as the world leader, America will get its act together making us even stronger and more desirable to other countries.”
Thirty-one-year-old Tamika Russell echoed the man’s thoughts.
“Blacks in particular have accomplished a lot, but we are still the underdog today. I am hopeful we will get everything we deserve and be treated properly, but it is going to take more time because no way are we there yet.”
It seems some of the most significant things in Black history happened shortly after the momentous March on Washington, including the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. After that whites and Blacks seemed better able to coexist, significant strides were made by Blacks personally and professionally, and things eventually tapered down with everyone living their lives. Then 45 years after King’s “Dream” speech, a charismatic senator from Illinois spoke at the Democratic National Convention, thus giving African-Americans and America in general another achievement to add to the history books. Barack Obama’s ascension to the presidency was a tremendous accomplishment – particularly for Blacks.
The thing is, 45 years is a long time for tremendous change to happen…for any race of people.
That demonstrates my point about the harsh realities of today’s America. By no means are we where we were, nor are we where we should be.
Here’s an example.
Though King’s “I Have a Dream” speech took on a life of its own, the actual March on Washington focused on jobs, freedom and equal pay. Now, 50 years later, Blacks are still disproportionately unemployed. A study conducted by CNN shows the U.S. unemployment rate of Black and white people from 1972–2012. From the beginning of the study to its end last December, the number of Blacks unemployed was nearly always double that of their white counterparts.
There is no equality in those figures. Therefore, King’s dream – economically anyway – is still a dream.
But what about his dream of people being judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin? Has that dream been realized?
Not completely. This is evidenced by the killing of Trayvon Martin, who was indeed racially profiled.
So where does that lead us? Does America have the “umph” it takes to make the people of this country truly equal regardless of their ethnicity or socioeconomic status?
Call me a pitiful optimist, but I say yes. It’s going to take work though, and lots of it.
One way I think we can move this country forward at a faster rate is through the solicitation and active participation of celebrities.
While I’d love to take credit for such an ingenious idea, I can’t. I actually ripped it from King’s playbook.
Months prior to the ’63 march, King gave actor Harry Belafonte a very clear mission: get various types of celebrities to attend the march and join the cause. Belafonte delivered magnificently. Marlon Brando, Sammy Davis Jr., Lena Horne, Bob Dylan, Paul Newman, Diahann Carroll and many others were in attendance.
Those actors and entertainers sacrificed a lot to support the march during such turbulent times in America. Yet, they believed in equality so they did it. And guess what? None of their careers took a nosedive as a result of their participation.
Like it or not, celebrities have a major impact on today’s society. Their actions can influence fans, sponsors and advertisers. Imagine how much we could get accomplished if more celebrities became advocates for equality and justice of ALL people. But it will take more than celebrities to get involved, we all have to do our part to treat others in a fair and just manner.
So yes, I am optimistic that true equality will come. I just hope it doesn’t take another 50 years.
You can email comments to Shannon Williams at shannonw@indyrecorder.com.
