President Obama: King's Dream Becomes a Reality

A journey that started in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955 ended today on the Capitol Steps in Washington DC.

Martin Luther King Jr, one of the great statesmen of the United States of America, a man who died for - because of - his beliefs, in 1955 stood up and said "enough!" He said "enough" to injustice for black people; "enough" to the treatment of black Americans as second class citizens and demanded that they be given their G-d given rights and be treated as equals.

His ability as a leader, as an orator, was such as to attract the attention of the world. King's insistence on non-violent demonstration clearly amplified the violent response he received by the bigoted officials and citizens who attempted to stand in his way. They could not stop him. Nor would his death.

The fruits of his life's labors were evident today as the first black president took office, the son of an African, accompanied by his wife, the offspring of slaves and slave-owners. Significantly, the Capitol, the building on which he took his oath was built by slaves in 1793. Today President Obama lifted the torch of freedom high for the world to see.

The future of the United States, recovery from near unprecedented economic ruin, the weight of the office of presidency and our future as the beacon of leadership for all the world, rests - fairly or unfairly - on his shoulders. Recovery will be possible, as with most economic growth, because of confidence. Confidence in President Obama as a leader, as a person who inspires, as a man of his word. Confidence in his ability to map our way forward, back to prosperity; to inspire a nation to arise to a challenge, much as Martin Luther King JR. did 54 years ago.

As such Obama's Presidency signifies something else for the progeny of the millions of African slaves who were brought to this country in chains. The Capitol setting signifies the symbolic and real transition of black America from slave to President. From downtrodden to equal. His office signifies a quiet removal of the glass ceiling that has for so long kept black Americans down and 'in their place.' No more.

For the millions of our black brothers and sisters it signifies that there is nothing - nothing - standing between them and their dreams. At last the shackles of history lay discarded on the frozen ground in Washington and black America can celebrate being a true part of the greatest country in the world.

Martin Luther King Jr. would, had he lived, been 80 years old this year; his birthday was January 15th. One can only imagine his presence at this historic inauguration and his short speech to an audience of billions as he recalled his last trip there with the simple words and truth, "Free at last. Free at last. Thank G-d Almighty, Free at last."

He had a Dream.