As we observe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today, let us all reflect back on the not only his accomplishments but his dreams and ever-growing power. I entitled this post as I did because not matter your race, African-American, Caucasian, Asian-American, Hispanic-American and so on, Dr. King is a part of OUR history. His message and mission has molded this country into what we see today; a “melting pot” of people who continue to break barriers.

It’s amazing to hear the stories of my mother-in-law as she describes the day that Dr. King was taken from us, which occurred the day before her birthday. You can tell if feels just like yesterday to her. I can see her eyes fill with tears just thinking about the devastation it caused not only her family but everyone she touched.

Then I see my youngest step-daughter reciting facts about him; things that I didn’t know. Did you know Dr. King was born Michael and later changed his name Martin? I am not ashamed to admit that I didn’t until she told me. Dr. Kings is one of her role models. She even wrote a paper on him for school, explaining why he is to this day an amazing person to her. What a legacy!

As my family and I get ready to watch our First African-American President take his next steps into his second term, let us all take a moment to reflect on where we have been as a country, where we are as people and where we can go through our kids.

Happy Belated Birthday Dr. King! Your dreams remain alive through us all.