- - http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/A3LHLWA0TQOACB Ramona Jones' Amazon Blog en-us Copyright 2005-2007 Amazon.com Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:15:07 -0700 Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:15:07 -0700 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Amazon.com Blogs 60 - http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/post/PLNK3570OHIS1OH1S Ramona Jones - - A significant moment in time does not arise without the long history that defined it. We must remember the wisdom of the past--The many voices, roads traveled, lessons learned and sign posts erected--that were pointing to it all along. Only when we stand in the moment do we feel the weight of all the laughs, tears, toils, joys, and pains of all those who have gone before us. Only when we look back to the moment in reflection do we understand just how connected we all are.

The significance of Democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama's, speech on the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's “I Have a Dream” speech is a powerful reminder of how we can bring change for the better to our great nation when we come together and do not waiver from the mission. It is a testament to the tenacity that comes when a unifying dream is shared and passed on from one generation to the next. In this speech, Dr. King planted a seed of hope in the hearts of not only America, but the world. While planting this seed, he painted the picture of what hope would look like so that after a long time of patient waiting, a nation would recognize it when it began to push up out of the hardened American soil of our divided country to bring a harvest of change.  Dr. King said, “Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God's children. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.” That time is now! It was evident in the hope on the diverse faces of the attendees at the Democratic Convention. Their tears, determination and anticipation of a new nation were more moving than Obama's speech that merely echoed their voices.

It's been a long time coming, but we now stand on the threshold of a great awakening. Some of the nation is still asleep in racism, separation and fear, but there is a vast majority who are stretching themselves after a long sleep and marching to the drum of change that is our inheritance. From churches, to work places, to communities, we are seeing people lay down their differences for the greater good of our country and our children. We are reaching for the old landmarks that point to truth, freedom, justice and wisdom. I pray we, as a nation, learn to walk with the wise that we may grow wise.