This month we celebrate our nation’s Declaration of Independence, and it also evokes the spirit and memories of the people that fought for our freedom.
Dr. King’s Speech
On the 4th of July, In terms of civil liberties and rights, I am reminded of the iconic speech in history given by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. on August 28, 1963. Most of us are familiar with the infamous, “I Have a Dream,” speech given by Dr. King on that ominous day in American History. On Sunday, August 25, 2013, the television show Meet the Press on N.B.C. televised their original interview with Dr. King on Meet the Press on its 50 anniversary. Hearing Dr. King’s historical speech opened my heart. I had goose bumps and tears running down my face that day.
Dr. King’s Interview
NBC also showed the news clip of Dr. King’s interview after his illustrious speech. I was anxious as the panel of cool, pensive reporters asked questions to Dr. King and he responded to each question with great humility, intelligence and articulation. I kept asking myself how Dr. King must have felt in such an era of disrespect, anger and suspicion. My heart broke and I felt angry as the interview continued. After the completion of the historic Meet the Press show, NBC gathered a group of people to discuss what they felt was the status of “The Dream,” of Dr. King’s today.
I loved what Cory Booker, then the mayor of Newark New Jersey, said about where “The Dream,” stands today. Mr. Booker believes we have moved from the era of the importance of the Declaration of Independence to the new era of the, “Declaration of INTER-Dependence.” I agree with Mr. Booker. Everything on earth is constantly and consistently revealing the truth of our existence. No one, no creature, nothing in nature, nothing with life can be independent — hence the meaning of interdependence.
The essence of all forms of life is our INTER-Dependence. Every facet of our life is proof of “The Declaration of INTER-Dependence.” All living things such as climate, plants, animals, human beings are all interdependent. No Congress, no political party, no religion, no race, no economic status exists separate, superior or independent of others. The universe is created as an interdependent system of which we all play an integral part. I pray we will all embrace and celebrate our, “Declaration of INTER-Dependence.” The bumper sticker on my car reveals my “Declaration of INTER-Dependence,” as it reads, “ One People, One Planet, One Future.”
I say amen to that.
To follow Dr. Kathleen Hall on Twitter: @drkathleenhall