A Day On, Not a Day Off

Today, we commemorate the 80th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. More than ever, this year's holiday will be remembered for a long time. The celebration today will give way to the Inauguration of the first African-American President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama, a fulfillment in part of the famous speech Dr. King gave during the March on Washington. When Dr. King gave his famous "I Have a Dream Speech" over 45 years ago, I know for certain that his dream included Barack Obama.

His dream that one day all God's children would unite was so clearly shown in the way the country came together to elect Barack Obama. Like Barack, Dr. King's achievements were not borne in a vacuum. He stood on the shoulders of great men and women; Leo Tolstoy, Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Abraham Lincoln, Henry David Thoreau, Alberta Wiliams King and many others. I am quite torn with emotion and this perhaps is the most difficult post I have written thus far. There's so much I want to write, however, I am not quite sure where to begin.

Dr. Martin Luther King touched my life in a very special way and I hope that one day I can also live the dream. I hope that I can one day walk in his shoes and live behind a legacy of a life devoted to the service of mankind. I realize that to be born with a heart such as Dr. King's is uncommon. Each time I visit the King Center in my hometown, Atlanta, I feel a connection to a man who made it possible for me an immigrant to participate in the American dream. For undoubtedly, had it not been for Dr. King, I will not be where I am today. I salute him for his service and I am assured beyond doubt that Dr. King did not die in vain.

We may never see that mountain top that Dr. King referenced, but I am convinced that every one through personal struggle and ensuing triumph has seen a mountain top of some sorts. For all the short comings we have as a people, hope springs eternal. Collectively, the human race will triumph. We will all one day see that promised land as we devote ourselves to altruism through service and love. Rather than become complacent, let's brace ourselves for the journey ahead. Barack's election is not the culmination of that great dream, but rather the beginning and the best is yet to come.

In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., President-elect Barack Obama has designated today as a national day of service. To find ways to serve in your community please visit the UsaService webpage.