Keep Moving Forward
SECOND PLACE (11TH & 12TH GRADES) Rufus King, 11th Grade
When the sun rises, many wonder how they will get through the day. How will they carry the weight of their burdened shoulders across the vastness of their communities, their hoods, their homes; most certainly the world. They find meaning in the lives of those who came before them. They find meaning in the words written by MLK. They throw themselves into this vast world knowing that no matter how hard today is, they will run if not crawl into tomorrow with the words of MLK and others written across their chest.
In ways that many may not understand yet, my generation is the embodiment of everything Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived for. Justice, perseverance, integrity and the will to do the right thing flows through the veins of everyone who sees the injustices of today. Decades ago MLK led walk outs and marches, fighting for victims of injustice and racism, even if it was a slow walk towards victory. Today, his work is perpetuated through those who take a stand for innocent black lives lost, racism in places from elementary schools to the government, and most importantly those directly disenfranchised by injustice. MLK died not in vain, but knowing that future generations would carry his torch and walk, if not crawl through hell to see a better tomorrow.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, 1929, MLK would soon grow up to lead civil rights movements and inspire millions throughout history. He stood firm on nonviolent protests, although it never deterred him from moving forward and fighting for equality. He stood his ground and against all odds, he turned people into believers of equity and integration. He saw injustice around every corner and inside every state capital, and he thought to himself, we can do one better, and we did. Society is still trying to make the world a better place, and I think that is all MLK ever really wanted.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2004, I would one day grow up to understand MLK’s work, and keep moving towards justice. He’s my inspiration for wanting to see a better tomorrow. As one of the millions he has truly inspired, I understand how one man can change the world. I understand how people can wake up everyday and keep going because of the one person in their life who makes them believe that they can. I can, you can, we can; we can all change the world.
The sun sets on another day, but for many injustice never sleeps. Protesters march strong into the night, good police officers work to make the world a better place, and those personally affected by injustice and racism try endlessly to stop the cycle. What lets me sleep at night is knowing that people constantly work to make the world better, and when I wake, I’ll finish what they tried so hard to keep moving forward.