Don't Forget to Remember

As we commemorate the birth, life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we would do well to remember at least the following ten things:

1. Although America has a black president, we do not live in a post-racial society;

2. Without our individual and collective efforts, Dr. King's dream cannot be achieved;

3. Diversity is not a substitute for reality;

4. All Americans, indeed people around the world, benefited from Dr. King's adherence to non-violent civil disobedience;

5. Equity and diversity are core principles of democracy and both are achievable;

6. We all have an obligation to speak truth to power no matter how unpopular it may be;

7. High quality education, P-16, is the engine of opportunity;

8. Contrary to what many may think, few of us achieved our accomplishments on our own;

9. We must imbue our children with the idea that they can do well and good. It is not a matter of one or the other.

10. Dreams are only dreams unless we commit ourselves to making them a reality.

We must not become so engrossed in the symbolism and the celebration of Dr. King's birthday that we lose sight of the work that remains to be done before we declare equity.