I Have a Dream

August 27, 1963

A long time ago, someone told me that they had a dream. I listened to their dream and created my own. My dream is for someone, everyone, to be equal with the others in the world. I believe that everyone, including my children, should be able to attain the ideas of the American Dream--life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It isn't something that should only be allowed for the few, but is something that the many should enjoy. Those in government should remember that all men are created equal, not just white men, but all men.

As I sit here in Washington DC on the eve of the March on Washington, I think about my children and how I want them to grow up. I want my children to attend the same schools as white children. I want them to live in the same neighborhoods, have the same jobs, and the same clothes as white children. My children should be able to eat in the same restaurants. My children, and all children, should have the same rights as anyone else has, regardless of skin color, age, gender, or wealth.

I have a dream. My hope is that others will share this dream, and help it to come true.