I am 22 years old and I acknowledge and appreciate the dream and living legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As a young African American college student, I am profoundly aware that my generation is obligated to not only appreciate the impact of the effectiveness of the Civil Rights Movement forty to fifty years ago under the brilliant leadership of Dr. King, but also today my generation is challenged to carry on the tradition of standing up for freedom, justice, equality and empowerment.
While I come from a family that has a long track record of fighting for freedom in America and throughout the world, I know that I and the young adults of today have an awesome responsibility to do on our part to work for the fulfillment of Dr. King’s dream of economic and political equality and empowerment.
My dad, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., worked with Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in North Carolina during the 1960s.
My father said me recently, “Please do not take for granted the progress that we have made toward equality and justice. We still have a long way to go.”
I know that this is right. Sometimes, I personally feel that we have to revitalize the movement for change.
This year I intend to vote and to make sure that all my friends and classmates will vote also.
Out voting rights are so important and this will be a specific opportunity to help make a positive difference in the outcome of the 2012.
I think that President Obama’s election in 2008 was a fulfillment of Dr. King’s dream of equality. There are some people who would like to see the United States go backwards rather than forward.
The youth vote across America will strategically be most important in 2012. We intend to both make a big difference and to make history once again by having the largest youth voter turn in history in November of this.
Martin Luther’s dream of equality and economic justice for all really means something for me and my generation.
We must hold on to the gains that have been made. Some are cynical and hopeless. I am optimistic however about the future because I believe the economy is improving and more opportunities for economic development and new business establishment in our communities.
I support President Obama. I am grateful for the living legacy of Dr. King. I intend to show my gratitude for Dr. King’s dream by working as youth voter to re-elect President Barack Obama.
-Franklin Chavis
