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Grades 9-12: What Does MLK's Dream Look Like Today?
Ciarra Rossi,
Steubenville High School, first place
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a strong role model in the fight for justice and equality for all. Although M.L.K. greatly aided the progression of equality, there are still many injustices and stereotypes that people currently face. Reflecting upon M.L.K. and his path to justice and equality, I am reminded of my future career path in architecture.
Currently the United States is experiencing an affordable housing crisis that is continually becoming more critical. As prices and mortgage rates increase, buying or renting housing is becoming extremely difficult for lower and middle class U.S. citizens. I have recently spoken to a citizen that is experiencing this injustice firsthand.
In April of 2022, my mother and I took a trip to Hawaii; on this trip we went snorkeling. That is when we met our instructor, Martin. We began to talk with Martin about his life, and upon further discussion he revealed that he was living in his van due to lack of affordable housing on the island of Maui. He then explained that housing is extremely expensive on Maui, and that minimum wage workers have a difficult time finding housing. Due to this fact, many people live out of their vehicles.
Another citizen that has experienced this injustice is my aunt, Leigh. She has recently moved to Seattle, Washington, and has since struggled to find affordable housing. According to Leigh, she considers herself extremely lucky to be able to afford the small apartment that she currently owns because she sees many homeless people scattered around the city on a daily basis. Although the problem of affordable housing is more severe in larger cities, it is a widespread and continuously growing issue across the entire U.S. that urgently requires a solution.
In my career path I plan to focus on equality in housing design so that more affordable housing is offered. According to Hannah Hoyt and Jenny Schuetz: Neighboring residents often worry that low-cost housing will be ugly and comprised of hulking, boxy structures with cheap-looking facades. But while affordable housing developers do have tight budget constraints, there are strategies that allow them to build apartments that are visually appealing and offer comfort and convenience to their residents while meeting all the essential requirements of safe, healthy housing.
I plan on using these strategies, along with others, to focus on designing and constructing housing that lower to middle class citizens can afford and live in effectively. Ideally my housing will also look appealing. Affordable housing is one way my future career path will honor M.L.K. and his dream.
Another way I plan to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream through my career path is by breaking stereotypes and becoming a female architect. Historically women have been underrepresented in the field of architecture. According to the American Institute of Architects, "Currently only 17 percent of registered architects are women." I hope that as a female, I can help to bring a new perspective to architectural designs and create a space where everyone can feel equal and comfortable in their living arrangements.
As M.L.K. and many others have expressed in the past, minority groups are often overlooked. I plan to help change that by breaking the stereotype that women are not fit for architectural jobs and by creating architecture that is inclusive to all.
Jordan West
Steubenville High School, second place
Doing what is right and fair to others has often been looked down upon from the beginning of time. There is always somebody who likes to feel superior and they judge people for being fair to others. Some people feel as though a person doesn't deserve to be treated equally, but I never participated in this way of thinking. No matter a person's race, gender, sexuality, or past mistakes, we are all human and everybody deserves justice and equality.
I personally do not think I know how to promote justice and equality, but I know that I will always treat others fairly. I feel like a lot of people get judged and treated badly for the things they have done in their past, but everybody makes mistakes and nobody has the right to judge. I've made plenty of mistakes in my past and I know that I wouldn't want to be treated any differently for my former bad decisions. Therefore I'll always treat people right no matter their reputation and flaws.
Now, there are also people who treat others badly because of their status. Some groups feel superior to other groups of people and they tend to look down upon others. Those people may be categorized by their race, family background, wealth class, or just the people they hang with. These groups of people who feel superior often have had a reputation to bully others. For example, people of the Caucasian race were known to have treated African Americans very poorly in the 1700s through the 1900s. It started from enslaving black people to do hard labor for them for free.
Although there are plenty of people who treat others unfairly and justice is often not serve to people who deserve it, I will always treat others right. I will never treat anyone badly no matter their race, sexuality or personal background. We are all humans and we make our mistakes and have flaws. We do not have control over our race or sexuality, but we can control how we treat the people around us. That is how I will promote justice and equality.
Mason Gray
Steubenville High School, third place
The conversation surrounding the ideas and treatment of racial groups has undoubtedly changed due to the activism and presence of Martin Luther King Jr. He exuded great power with his words to cause a movement which changed society. The skill he had with his voice is what created such an influential person like himself. This can be applied to every single one of us.
Knowing changes within society in achieving racial, religious and gender unification is necessary to understanding the factors of making change. Prejudice today is a great example of how individuals such as MLK, Malcom X and Ai Weiwei have shifted the culture and attitudes of society. The enormous influence these activists have had is a remarkable example of how quickly a difference of opinion can develop into a movement. Both movements in the past and present have used activism and their voices to create change within their respective communities. Some modern day examples of these movements can be seen within their respective communities. Some modern day examples of these movements can be seen with the Black Lives Matter movement, where people of the African American community spoke out on the racial violence exuded by corrupt cops, and the mistreatment of African American citizens in almost every aspect of human life. Another example is the #MeToo Movement, where women and men spoke out against the sexual misconduct of co-workers, bosses and high officials within the workplace. People within both movements came together and took a stand on their issues. There was change made in society due to their revolt against the status quo.
Although it would be challenging to live by MLK's concepts and charisma, others would benefit greatly from it. The internet and the media may be used to distribute and raise awareness of the problems that people confront. Those who lived before the 21st Century used more forceful methods, such as speeches and demonstrations. This activity was revolutionary in an era before the internet, which is not to imply that it is not possible now. Speaking on the internet, social media and other technological factors help create change.
There are many differences between The Civil Rights Movement and the Black Lives Matter Movement. Both are considered to be monumental formations of activism even when both occur within different times in society. The Black Lives Matter movement was built on the foundation laid by the Civil Rights movement, but it is still important to look at how this more recent movement changed the globe by spreading action. Technology advancements contributed to the Black Lives Matter movement's ability to have political and cultural influence. One of the most recognizable factors of the Civil Rights movement was their violent protests which showed how relentless people were for change. Protests are common within the Black Lives Matter movement and newer movements have opted to peaceful protest due to fear of harm. The historical advancements of these movements better help others express the meaning of their movements.
I can comprehend and carry out a promotion of justice and equity onto my community by incorporating these elements into my own movements. Today, social media use for communication with others is crucial to starting a movement.
Additionally, I could better execute my movement if I understood other people's perspectives. When addressing the dearth of civil rights for minorities, Martin Luther King Jr. was aware of related problems from other minorities. Additionally, knowing that there are others out there that share the same feelings, opinions and issues shows how significant these movements can be. My movement, however, would not be possible without my voice, as it is what drives my movement as a whole. Using my voice not only gets the idea out there but gives my movement an illustration to follow. I take inspiration from speeches given by Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lincoln Memorial. Making much impact with just words should inspire not only me but everyone who wants to make a change in this world.
All people may find inspiration in Martin Luther King Jr., who expanded the definition of an activist. He changed the course of history by bringing people from all over the world together. Martin Luther King Jr.'s accomplishments can serve as an example for how we can all transform our hectic world into something beautiful.
Lorraine Kellermier
Steubenville High School, MLK Jr. Foundation
There are children who have dreams of being royalty because that is how they are treated. They do nothing to earn it. There are teens who dream of getting everything they want because their life is so bad when their mom asks them to take out the trash. They don't work for anything but end up with so much. There are adults who dream of being rich while they sit at home instead of getting a job. There are elderly who criticize anyone who isn't good enough for them, and believe they are more deserving than a person working so hard to get so little. Martin Luther King had a dream. His dream was for the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. He worked for his dream so hard and it caused his assassination.
Today, when I look around, I don't see enough places where black people can be comfortable with the crowd because their skin color does not determine who they are, who they can be, and how human they are. But the eyes of criticism will kill until all of the good in this world has vanished and turned to a cold, dark, and alone hate. Why can't people understand that their heartless words, thoughts, and actions can destroy a person? The people who destroy create the stereotypes that others can't help themselves but to wonder whether they should be the real person or fall in line to become them.
If Martin Luther King sacrificed his life for his dream, people are underestimating the importance of it because so many people believe his day is just our day off, not giving a care in the world about how hard he worked just to be criticized and to never see his dream come true. There's something about him that takes so much strength and bravery because he never gave up. Many of today's people are afraid of criticism and being alone, but none of his fears stopped him from pouring so much work and effort into trying to help the world see that equality is a necessity. The visions of many are so filtered that they can't even see that.
Yes, there are people who do care but not enough. For the amount of suffering, bravery, hope, and effort he put into his dream, it is disappointing to see the world today, fifty-five years after his assassination. Of course, there are a variety of people in the world. There are those who do care and put effort into continuing his dream, people who pretend to care, and people who make it clear they do not care. Why is it that Martin Luther King became an important figure and leader, yet too many people reject that they have the ability to follow him or build from his ideas? It's sad to say that an awful amount of people have no care in the world about the darkness others and themselves create. In today's eyes, a good person does not exist. The real good people are challenged daily to be kind and good because they are in a cruel world and get very little appreciation. Martin Luther King was and will always be important. The world will decide what path to take, but the right path was built by him.
Martin Luther King was not thinking for only himself when he decided to make a change. He wanted to change the world for everyone, from the men and women who fought with him to those who were against him. He wanted the evil to see and become good. He was fighting for all of mankind when he told of his dream, but those who understand it are silenced to this day with criticism and stereotypes.
If you truly think about it, Martin Luther King's dream has not yet been heard to the extent it deserves. The day I see, if in my time, that everyone with any skin color can sit down and enjoy a conversation without criticism, stereotypes, and disrespect is when his dream will come true. It's so terrible that he will never get to see what he worked so hard for due to the deepest ugly existing. He deserves justice. His dream deserves to be heard. His fight deserves to win.
He made change in this world, but it won't happen if so many people destroy it.
Jazmyn Brown
7th grade, Harding Middle
Bridging the Divide: Daring to Dream Again
Bridging the Divide is our way of showing love, trust and peace to continue on Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. Year after year we recognize Martin Luther King Day and the impact he had on our society. When we apply everything that Dr. King has taught us, when it comes to equality, we are making the world a better place for everyone, no matter what race they may be. Dr. King was devoted to racial equality and his memory still lives on today. We celebrate this day to appreciate all he did for us.
Dr. Martin Luther King once said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate only love can do that." He meant light and love can overcome the darkness and in this case racism would be the darkness. In order to overcome that, we have to bridge the divide day in and day out. We have to realize we will never be happy if we do not treat others with kindness. We all bleed the same blood, therefore, we are all equal in God's eyes.
As a young girl with a blended culture living in America, I appreciate everything Dr. King has done for the minorities. If he had not worked to bridge the divide, I would not be able to have my best friends or my favorite teachers because people would still be separated and NOT treated as equals. Without Dr. King's help, I wouldn't be here today because my mother is both black and white.
With all of this being said, I will carry on his legacy and be kind to others no matter what they look like. I will continue to stand up for my peers when others are doubting them because of their skin tone. Thank you, Dr. King, for all you've done for this nation. Your hard work won't go to waste.
Your dream is slowly, but surely coming true.
Autumn Robinson
Kindergarten, East Garfield Elementary
Dr. Martin Luther King was a Black man.
He lived in Alabama. He wanted to stand up for people on the bus. He wanted justice. He went to a black school with all black people.
He had a loving heart. He got shot and died.
Nina Lumpkin
3rd grade, Wells Academy
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was an amazing man. All he wanted was for everyone to be equal. He didn't want people to be going to different schools or different water fountains.
Martin Luther was a Baptist minister. He entered college at age 15 after he skipped grades 9-12. Martin had four children. He was born on January 15, 1949, and was named Michel Luther King Jr., and later changed his name to Martin.
Martin got a Nobel Peace prize at the age of 35 and used the money for the civil rights movement. While fighting for civil rights, he was arrested over 20 times, attacked four times, and named Man of the Year in 1963. He was killed on April 4, 1968.
Martin Luther King Jr. fought for the rights of African Americans and is known around the world. His special speech was "I had a dream." I am thankful for Martin Luther King because I would not be able to have some of my friends that I have right now. I would also not be able to go to the same schools as my friends.
Joia Rose
3rd grade, Pugliese West
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a hero, friend, minister, civil rights activist, role model, a good dad, husband and son. He was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a brother and a sister and loved to sing like his mom. He studied so hard all of his life and became a minister just like his dad. Dr. King earned his doctorate and married Coretta Scott. They had four children and raised a great family.
Dr. King gave many inspiring speeches and led peaceful protests in his fight for equality. He was arrested many times and never gave up because he was fighting for everyone to be treated equal and not differently just because of their skin.
Dr. King's "I have a Dream" speech is one of the greatest of all time. Dr. King teaches us all to always treat others with respect and love. I am proud to call Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. my hero and would love to be a civil rights activist just like him.
He has taught me to always stand up for what is right, to be positive, to be strong and not let anyone get to you. I am thankful Dr. King taught us all to fight for equality and what we believe in with our words, not fists.
Nova King
2nd grade, McKinley STEM Elementary
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was known for fighting for equal rights for all people. He was a humanitarian, preacher and an activist. He was a great public speaker and used that talent to teach many people about civil injustices and how to stop them.
He believed all people should be treated the same no matter what they look like. His house and church were bombed but he kept faith and he did not give up. He changed the culture in America with knowledge and love.
He was involved in three different marches to get voting fights for Black Americans. He was shot on his way to dinner and died at the young age of 39.