Equality: Shaping the Connection

We cannot walk alone.

And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.

We cannot turn back.

There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: "For Whites Only." We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."

     We are bounded with diverse denotations of equality. All around, it is a notion, an abstract, with a magical touch that has inspired millions to revolt in the past. Philosophers and revolutionaries have used this concept liberally to win over the hearts of the common citizenry. Thus, democracy in government and standard of living can be appropriately implemented only when there is equality in social, cultural, political and in general society. 

   As a teen born in the mid 1990's, I have already witness the significance of equality and unity in our social order. And I personally believe that the genuine victory that we all long for can be achieved through one voice- democracy. That Philippines will rise in breaking barriers when all of us will be given EQUAL opportunities. 

   Such noble persons also come to my mind when heard the word racial discrimination.One is Martin Luther King, Jr. I even got my introduction from him. It was stated in his well famed speech, "I Have A Dream", the Emancipation Proclamation decree that served as a beacon light to millions of Negros who were slaves in the flames of withering injustice.

It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. 

    In that sentence, right after  declaring the main idea, Dr. King continues to broaden the appeal of the speech to include all people, not only the blacks. With this single sentence, he shares his dream throughout the world and hopes that one day, every thing, every person, all and sundry will be integrated for a great tomorrow.

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:

My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.

Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,

From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

     What awaits us in the future? Will there be peace? Prosperity? Love? And equality? Just like the ending of his speech, can we attain the freedom ring? Could we utter the words, "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" The sequel relies on us.