Keeping the dream alive
In the midst of so many pressing challenges, discord and violence — we still believe in the dream. There is no problem that we cannot solve when we come together in humility, free of reckless pride and overt arrogance.
It has been over 57 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. He spoke to over 250,000 people who came in peace and left in peace. His message is as relevant today as it was then. We have to work together. We have to lift up those around us who falter. We have to care for others with the same dignity and respect we would like to receive. It is the only way we rise as a people and a nation.
The NAACP and LifeBridge Community Services are committed to partnering with Bridgeport’s children and families to create greater opportunity to learn, grow and prosper. We rededicate ourselves to this difficult work in an environment that is seldom fair or congenial.
Let us not wallow in the valley of despair. I say to you, my friends, we have the difficulties of today and tomorrow. I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. We hold these truths to be self- evident that all men are created equal.
This year in recognition of Martin Luther King Day, the NAACP and LifeBridge will partner in a traditional day of service to distribute food to those most in need in our community with the hope that they will never have to be in need again.
LifeBridge and the NAACP share in the belief of unlimited human potential and the vision of Bridgeport youth and families living in a community made stronger by neighbor helping neighbor as each of our organizations works to lift people up. We aspire to be healing agents in the community and seek the advancement of our families by offering youth the educational and emotional support they need to grow into successful, responsible adults.
In the words made popular by activist Alice Wine, we must “keep our eyes on the prize.” In the spirit of seeking equal justice and a better, more just world for all people, we will join in solidarity and mutual support of our community in the sincere hope that we can lead by example.