I’m sad today because Dr. King’s dream seems less of a reality than it did 53 years ago.

No, I’m not saying that many life circumstances have not improved or changed.  The fact that I am where I am in life prohibits me from blinding myself to our progress.

No, I’m not without hope.  As long as God exists we have hope.

No, I’m not defeated.  As long as I exist I can still make a difference.

Yes, I am sad.  As I look around me I see too much darkness to allow myself to believe we no longer have a long way to go.

Fortunately I have many reasons to continue to press on, and it’s because of them, and because of those who continued to press on before me, that I will.