America prides itself on being the land of opportunity, and for the most part it is, but as we look back on the history of this, the most powerful nation in the world, we understand that the journey through life wasn't the easiest one for all. In the 1960s, when any matter of importance was relevant, the Civil Rights movement seemed to be the most prominent, and with good reason. The 1960s were a time of battles for racial justice and the war for equality. Generals were founded, like Dr. Martin Luther King JR, and he led his troops through one of the most brilliant demonstrations of nonviolent protests this country has ever had the possibility of seeing. This protest was established to send a message to the nation that equality must prevail, all men were created equal, thus should be treated like it. It seems though, that this struggle for equal treatment is still being pursued 40 years later.

The 1960s was the decade that established the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which banned discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and labor unions, and the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which brought equality to black voters throughout the South. Both of these long overdue accomplishments were established after Dr. King's speech on that faithful August day in Washington. The events that led up to this occasion were no doubt the most trying and significant to the equality of African Americans since the abolishment of slavery. They consisted of riots and boycotts, sit-ins and freedom rides, numerous demonstrations by groups like SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) and CORE (The Congress of Racial Equality). Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech was a time to reveal the nation what these groups have been attempting display in their states.

Did the speech succeed in its message? Did it successfully change the opinion of the nation? Today do we find ourselves in a utopia of equality? I'd be naïve to say yes. Today there are still places where a person of different color or religion isn't allowed to sit in a diner or speak without reservations. It is because of that, that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech is still appropriate today. It is appropriate when a homosexual is tied to a barb wire fence and beaten to death. It is appropriate when swastikas are painted on the doors of synagogues. It is appropriate when there are still towns where we can't find "little black boys and black girls [who are] able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers." It is appropriate when we still have children that are afraid of being who they are.

I am elated to say that since 1963 America has improved in accepting and understanding people of other cultures, but it's been 40 years and portions of Dr. King's dream have not come true. This war for the freedom of oppression based of race, religion, or gender, has to end. There has to be a day when this speech is in the history books as a reminder of what could happen, not as a relevant document of the day.