Paul Quinn College Celebrates MLK's “Dream”

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.  I have a dream today," said Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior on August 28, 1963.

Now, 50 years after the landmark speech, the dream lives on across the country and in Dallas at Paul Quinn College.

“I too have a dream. I have a dream that my child will not be incarcerated and shot down in the street,” says student Quinnite Anita Crethers.

Millions of people are taking a stand for equality.  Wednesday marks the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and the speech that would help change America.

Just like that day in 1963, thousands of people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.  Supporters spent the day marching through the Capitol. 

Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton will deliver speeches from the very same spot King stood 50 years ago during the "Let Freedom Ring" event.

In North Texas, students at Paul Quinn College are keeping King’s legacy alive and continuing the fight for racial equality.

“We’re allowed to dream,” chanted dozens of students as they marched down Simpson Stuart Road to the college. Paul Quinn students are in step with MLK’s dream, demanding equality in peaceful protest.

“Every race, we can be unified as one.  We don’t have to be hateful towards each other,” says student Steven Richmond.

Fifty years ago, a quarter million people rallied with King for more jobs, better health care and an end to segregation. Today, students believe the country has gained a lot of ground. Though many feel Dr. King would be proud, they said there is still a ways to go.

“It was about fairness, it was about economic opportunity.  Economic opportunity, which we still need today.  So, we have made progress, but we have not made enough progress,” says Paul Quinn College President, Michael Sorrells.

“We want justice, justice for Trayvon,” says college student Breshawn Cathey.

Many are still calling for change on the path to justice by reflecting on Florida teen Treyvon Martin’s death and the case that more recently created racial divide in our country.

“There’s still some type, form of racism, of prejudice.  We still have a long way to go,” says student Ronisha Isham.

Students say they’ll continue King’s fight and shape their own battle for equality.

Contact Us