The Rev. Dr. John G. Moore Sr. is the director for philanthropy and engagement for the United Way of Delaware, president and CEO for Total Increase Ministries and the senior pastor of Dover Christian Church.
For years, the theme for the annual celebration of the national holiday for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day on, Not a Day off!” It called upon the American people to engage in public service and promote peaceful social change. It emphasized that Dr. King’s unfinished movement toward equality can be achieved by our united, enduring efforts. It was all about service to others, which was fitting because Dr. King gave his life as an amazing servant leader who wanted to help others fulfill their dream of what is outlined in the preamble of the Declaration of Independence, which states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
This year’s theme, “Together We Can Be the Dream,” exemplifies the need for all of America to play a role in the fulfillment of the legacy that Dr. King challenged us with 60 years ago at the March on Washington on Aug. 28, 1963.
The great late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, and it is time that we work together to be “The Dream.” And so, now is the time for all of America to make sure that we remain awake and vigilant during a major revolution that continues to be waged for the demand of equality, opportunity and justice for all the citizens of America.
One of the most dangerous mind-sets we can find ourselves in today is that of being more cautious than courageous. In this time of acute urgency, we must act with bold bravery in the spirit of collaboration to say enough is enough when injustice is perpetrated. Right now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Right now is the time to stand up in the midst of the evils of domestic and international terrorism and be willing to work in the spirit of unity across racial lines, across denominational lines, across economic lines and across political lines, and collectively eliminate racism, discrimination and all manners of injustice.
Why? Because, as Dr. King stated in his famous “Letter From Birmingham (Alabama) Jail,” “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Yes, it still holds true that we are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny, and whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. And people are not willing to wait another 60 years for our opportunity to have our slice of the savory American dream. Not 50 years more and not even 10 years more.
Right now is the time to make the promises of the American dream a reality for all of God’s children. This is our hope, and this is the faith that I believe — that together we can be the dream and make it a reality. And, with this faith, we will be able to withdraw from the fountain of discord the living water of oneness. With this faith, we will be able to reestablish the disruptive communications of social media across the airwaves into a harmonious anthem of friendship. With this faith, we will be able to walk together, to pray together, to struggle together, to talk together and to stand up for justice together, knowing that we will make the dream of Martin Luther King our legacy.
And so, during this celebration of the national holiday for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it still holds true that we, as a nation and world, must “Remember! Celebrate! Act!” For this holiday continues to be a day on and not a day off. And, as we celebrate and serve our community in unity, remember that “Together We Can Be the Dream”!
