Remembering the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Martin Luther King Jr. and Langston Hughes.

Their poetry, politics and panache moved peoples’ ideas during the Harlem Renaissance and took others’ endurance to the “mountaintop.”

Both were and still are great men who impressed upon our minds what it means to be treated equally; especially in the quest for fairness with basic human rights.

Hughes, a prolific writer who died in 1967, and King, an American civil rights leader was tragically shot in 1968, left an indelible mark and an incredible legacy to fill.

As their lives are celebrated this year, especially on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, how do we remember these two great black leaders?

Do their influences still resonate in our communities? How do we continue to honor the dream?

The even greater question remains, are there any real “dreams“ left?

I strongly believe so.

I believe there still are dreams left, as long as the simple message from a black man exists, who transcended his ideas across race, creed and religion: peace is the only way to attain freedom.

There are still remnants of this dream when we also understand the words of a poet who wrote of black consciousness and why America should be a land where every man is free.

More than four decades after their deaths, we continue to pay homage to King and his dream especially by having annual peace marches, vigils and discussions.

An even better way to honor King’s legacy is to change one’s mindset when it comes to how we view each other and empathize with one another.

While this is written, there is a great need for empathy and action to take place in Haiti, where an earthquake has recently devastated the island.

Helping people there would be a direct example of embracing King’s principles of giving to others during a time of chaos.

If there was ever a more perfect time to send money, food relief or prayers — now would be a good one.