Reigniting Dr.

King’s Dream

By: Emani Curry-Jester

On April 4, 1968 at 6:05pm, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated at the early age of 39

years old. He had an entire life to live, a fruitful legacy to leave behind. Although his life was cut short far

too soon, he did leave a lasting legacy and was able to let the world know that he had a dream that we

would someday live in a society that thrived on inclusiveness and equality.

On April 4, 2018, 50 years later, it is that same dream of equality and inclusion that reignited a

spark in the hearts and lives of those who came together for the National Initiative at Shepherd Park in

Southeast Washington, D.C. The community leaders, councilmembers, activists, faith leaders,

entertainers, and influencers all shared words of inspiration to motivate the community into giving back to

the community and to create an equitable society for all. Not surprisingly, many speakers also placed an

emphasis on encouraging the younger generations, because they are the ones who will live in a future that

could include more diversity and better equality for all if we continuously strive to make the necessary

changes.

Adrian Martinca, founder and President of Technology for the Future, emphasized that “the

future of our society is in the hands of our children”. He expressed the importance of making sure our

youth are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to become successful and to make sure that our

society will continue to improve with time. He also illustrated not only the importance of carrying on Dr.

King’s dream, but also the importance of living out one’s own dream.

Upon taking the stage, Award-winning DJ and WKYS’ very own, DJ QuickSilva expressed that

he is “glad to know we are living Dr. King’s dream”, because his children are able to play with children

of other races in an integrated society “where they won’t be judged by the color of their skin, but by the
character of their creed.” DJ QuickSilva went on to further state that Dr.King’s message is about all of us

coming together. DJ QuickSilva also urged the attendees “to make sure we do this same type of work 365

days a year...because there’s always somebody all over DC or Northern Virginia who needs our help.” DJ

Quicksilva closed his inspiring speech by stating he challenges “everyone out there today to always go

above and beyond not to get a pat on the back, but when it matters in real life.”

Student leaders from Howard University also had the opportunity to give their perspectives on the

status on our society and ways in which we can actually make a difference. They also emphasized the

way younger generations can use social media to connect with others and raise awareness about the things

that really matter. Sophomore Mikayla Moore stated that “we can’t diminish the power of stirring up

conversation and dialogue with people we don’t know on a global scale”. Senior Jaclyn Grant also

expressed the need for us to always be truthful in our words and actions, regardless of how unpopular it

is. She went on to add that “we have the ability, we have the power, we have the intellectual being to do

more. I need us to do that in this space and in this time”.

The National Initiative observing the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination went far

beyond a memorial service that simply honored his life. Dr. King was a victim of gun violence, and

though it may come in different forms today, it is currently a much more prevalent issue that we are faced

with far too often. With relatives of gun violence victims taking the stage to give personal stories and

share memories of their lost loved ones, it reminded those in attendance that the work in our communities

is far from over. We have come a long way in the past 50 years, but we still have so much further to go.

Zion Kelly took the stage to share the tragic way in which his twin brother, Zaire, lost his life to

gun violence: “a senseless robbery took my brother’s life”. Zion continued on to add that his brother’s

death was not in vain, and that there is more work to be done in making sure our communities are safer

and that everyone receives equal treatment.

 At 6:05pm, the National Initiative called for a moment of silence in which everyone would “go

live” on their social media. Simultaneously, event organizer Tom Brown struck a bell 39 times, signifying

the 39 years Dr. King lived, with 6:05 being the time of his death.

The work that Dr. King was doing to unite communities and create equality for all was not

created to end once he was gone - it is through this National Initiative that we are called to action to

advocate for equity in all forms. The dynamic and inspiring guest speakers reminded many attendees that

there is still so much we can do in our communities, emphasizing the fact that now is the time to focus on

what really matters. We have a social responsibility and a moral obligation to not only stand up for what

is right, but to make positive changes within ourselves and society.

The National Initiative on April 4, 2018 began as the observance of the 50th anniversary of Dr.

King’s assassination, but it did not stop there. This movement served as an opportunity to reflect on Dr.

King’s legacy, restore our faith in the community and ourselves, redirect our energy into revitalizing the

community, and reignite Dr. King’s dream. One bullet did not stop the movement, and it will not stop the

progress that is to come.