As we approach the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s death, we are left to reflect on his lasting impact and legacy on the world. During this time of reflection, we can evaluate if the words that the late King said in his, “I Have a Dream” speech came to fruition.

Longtime WSB General Manager, Elmo Ellis, said that King’s dream was quite simple and elegant, “He dreamed of a day when peace would be a reality and brotherhood, a meaningful blessing enjoyed by all mankind.”

Audio clip from Elmo Ellis:

50 years later, and we are still working to make King’s dream a reality.

“We must hope and pray that his message of faith in a unified and non-violent America of equal citizens was a dream that is coming to fulfillment,” Ellis said.

Many believe it’s fair to say that we as a country is more unified than we were 50 years ago and many would agree that King was a major influence in that.

The key to living in the dream that King envisioned is to believe in its truth.

“We must believe that there is a basic decency, honesty, gentleness and fairness in the people of this nation, which will answer the embittered and the sorrowing, the frustrated and the vengeful with meaningful deeds of love and hope, faith and understanding. We must insist that this nation belongs to all our citizens and that its blessings must be available equally to all.” Ellis said.

This dream was all that the “gentle” preacher was asking, praying and marching for. We still have work to do as a country and as Ellis said, “The people of America must make that dream come true.”