A shot rings out in the Memphis sky.
Free at last, they took your life,
But they could not take your pride.
In the name of love,
What more in the name of love.
Pride (In the Name of Love), U2
One of my favorite R&B artists, Raheem Devaughn, shots out “The dream is real” in between songs on his mixtapes. He goes on to say “Be a dream catcher, not a dream chaser.” Kinda corny, but I respect the message.
Last night I started thinking about my dreams and the pursuit, or lack thereof, of said dreams. While kickin it with my mom, I mentioned to her some things that I wanted to accomplish but had put on pause due to lack of financing. My mom’s response was that anything I want to do, can be done. Period. She stressed want being the most important factor. My mother also told me in a very matter-of-fact manner that I have always accomplished whatever I set my mind to. While anything I didn’t care much for… well you can guess the rest. Basically, it ain’t hard at all to walk away from shit you don’t care about.
On the eve of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday [his real birthday is January 15] as I think of the many dimensions of his legacy, there is one word that stands out to me the most. Not freedom. Not equality. Not history. Not pride.
But dream.
Of the many definitions given by dictionary.com, I’d like to highlight:
- An aspiration; goal; aim
- A vision voluntarily indulged in while awake
- To regard something as feasible or practical
- One that is exceptionally gratifying, excellen, or beautiful.
No explanation is needed for why Dr. King’s magnanimous speech “I Have a Dream” touched so many hearts around the world. We can all relate. We all have dreams that are near and dear to us and that we hope to see materialize one day. There are so many others who have put their lives on the line for their dreams whose names are not mentioned in the history books. I believe that Dr. King was a chosen messenger. He inspired a movement. A revolution. It is our duty to keep that flame ignited.
But how hard are you really working towards your dream? How much faith do you have in your dreams and your ability to make them come true? Are you willing to put your life on the line for your dreams? Can you honestly say that when you put your very best effort forward, you yield absolutely no positive results whatsoever?I ask these questions of you, as well as myself. Cause I know I got work to do and a legacy to preserve. What the hell am I waiting for?
It’s check in time. Check your dreams. Make them happen.
Not only is the dream real, but we are the dream.
Happy Birthday Dr. King.
Tumultuously Yours,
Dark & Stormy
2 comments:
For now at least, my dreams concern me, mainly. That wasn't always the case but these are strange and precarious times we're living in now.
It's a good thing Dr. King didn't use that as an excuse, though, huh?
Oh my... yes, The Lord works in mysterious ways ;)
I know they taught you better at your HBCU, Mr Full Morning Dress.
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