Reclaiming the Dream

Aug. 28,2010 was the day when thousands of people, and I, stood for justice! We marched in a movement lead by Al Sharpton. It was a sweltering day out; however, that did not hinder anyone. As a Howard University student I marched with my fellow classmates chanting "HU! You Know!" along with singing hymns and chanting phrases such as "No Justice, No Peace!"

So many different organizations were represented at the "Reclaim the Dream" march. The event was amazing and will surely be marked as a significant event in history.

The movement started at Dunbar High School, the first black public high school in the United States. For two hours there were three-minute speeches from various leaders from all walks of life, including the president of Morehouse College, the Black Farmers Association, the National Urban League and notable radio host Tom Joyner.

Although it was a hot day, the audience was lively and responded in true call-and-response fashion, yelling "Yes!" "Well!" and "Preach!" The speakers made notable statements such as "history without destiny leads to apathy," and honored activists such as Dorothy Heights, James Farmer and Rosa Parks. They inspired and moved everyone in attendance.

The time to take action is now, and as a young person I realize how important it is to be involved and ensure that my voice is heard.  My fellow classmates and I are the future and as Malcolm X said, "if you don't stand for something you will fall for anything"

When the March began the chants for hope continued. It was amazing seeing these various people stand up for a unified cause "We might have come here on a different ship, but we are all in the same boat" stated a speaker. 

Those causes that attracted thousands of people together included eliminating tax breaks for the wealthy, preventing laws like the Arizona Immigration law, improving education for inner city youth and getting Washington, D.C. admitted to the union as the 51^st state.

This march was essential, as it continued to press the issues of social and economic equality, and made it known that it is time to right the wrongs in the nation's capital. Although there was a rally going on across the city that countered what we, and Martin Luther King Jr., stood for, we marched with pride and dignity to not only commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington that occurred 47 years ago but, to continue this great man's dream.

"The people united will never be divided!"