Today, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Growing up in Tallahassee, Florida, during the 1960s, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of Dr. King’s call to “live out the true meaning” of our nation’s creed that “all men are created equal.” Two experiences from my youth remain etched in my memory.

At twelve years old, I joined a civil rights demonstration at the segregated Florida State Theater. In the backdrop of Florida A&M University, where my father taught, I stood as the youngest participant among college students and teachers, rallying against the injustice of Jim Crow.

Five years later, I attended the newly integrated Rickards High School. The morning after Dr. King’s tragic assassination, the words “Ding Dong, the King is Dead” defiled the school entrance. This hateful act was a grim reminder that the struggle for racial equality was far from over. It also highlighted the fear sparked by Dr. King’s message of unity, equality, respect, non-violence, and reconciliation.

Despite decades of polarization, the essence of MLK’s dream still endures. His vision of a society where people are judged “not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character” manifests in integrated communities, sports teams, businesses, law enforcement, and the military. This reality both reflects and reminds us of our ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union.

Today, my family of six children and 16 grandchildren stands as a testament to the power of King’s Dream: We proudly represent Black, White, Hispanic, American Indian, and Trinidadian backgrounds and cultures, coming together as one.

To be sure, Dr. King’s vision was not solitary; it fueled a broader movement led by countless visionary Black men and women. These post-World War II pioneers, armed with education and an unwavering work ethic, dismantled discrimination, leaving a legacy of faith, discipline, and respect that guides us today.

Yet, more insidious racism persisted—a narrative subtly sowing self-doubt and inferiority within the Black community. This narrative portrayed Black Americans as inherently inferior, incapable of embodying character traits like honesty, work ethic, loyalty, and leadership.

In his speeches, writings, and actions, Dr. King rebuked this belittling attack on Black character. His physical courage was on display countless times during the Civil Rights Movement. But on this day 60 years ago, he also displayed profound moral courage.

Despite his evident experience with racial hatred and discrimination, including being thrown into solitary confinement in Birmingham for picketing, King delivered a triumphant speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial expressing hope that America would mend her ways and do justice to all her citizens, regardless of color.

The self-pride and worth evident in King’s message and actions must be reclaimed. We cannot accept unjust, ideologically motivated attacks on prominent Black role models such as Justice Clarence Thomas, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Dr. Ben Carson who embody hard work, tenacity, and self-respect. The consequences of such attacks are dire: Millions of Black children needing positive role models are left disoriented.

As we reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream, let’s honor the legacy he stood for. His generation fought for opportunities that would allow future generations to live their American Dream with pride and equality. His vision, though now closer today than when he shared it, must be fought for, incorporating his sense of optimism and tenacity.

We must protect the generations that follow by fostering self-respect, unity, and a commitment to the values that make us human. Just as Dr. King envisioned, let us continue to dream of a world where character transcends color and unity prevails over division.