He was born Jan. 15, 1929.

May I ask, was he born before his time?

A man of kindness, peace and love.

Would you say, he was sent from above?

Segregation, discrimination, integration were words he faced/

Through his non-violent tactics, he kept them in place.

These were words he heard and saw, yet he kept his non-violent tactics instead of war.

Marches, sit-ins and boycotts- events that caused him to go to jail.

But being a man of peace and courage, he made bail.

He led an outstanding march in Washington, D.C. where over 200,000 people joined him in protest to see.

“I Have a Dream” was his entitled speech.

Once heard and understood, we should reach out and teach.

Inspire, encourage, trust God and do what’s right.

He did so, died and put up a non-violent fight.

He often said, “I’ve seen the mountaintop.”

We as Americans should adhere to his dream and not stop.

Remember not to hate, but to love.

Once again I ask, “Was he sent from above?”

Keep alive the dream … get on Dr. King’s team.

 

By Hollis Fortenberry, Jr.

Retired educator