MLK50; EQUALITY IN OUR LIFETIME, MARCH ON WESTMINSTER FOR JOBS AND JUSTICE

DARE TO DREAM; IN MEMORY OF DR MARTIN LUTHER KING (50 YEARS ON)
WRITTEN BY ZITA HOLBOURNE; POET~ARTIST~ACTIVIST

Fifty years since the dream Martin Luther King shared with a nation
Of equality for all and an end to discrimination
As we reflect fifty years later the question we must now ask
Is what progress have we really made in the half century that’s passed?

I have a dream of no poverty or deprivation
An end to prejudice, injustice and discrimination
No abuse or harassment causing devastation
Where challenges to these are not met with confrontation

I have a dream that we’ll rise up in unity
Act like one strong and determined community
Live in a world of equal opportunity
Where progress is anticipated eagerly

I have a dream of access to jobs and employment
Where we are assessed on our achievement
Where those with the power to decide don’t cast judgment
Based on class or gender or age or skin pigment

I have a dream that every one of us each and every day
Will rise up to those blocking us from progressing on our way
That we’ll expose the hypocrites and end the moral decay
Be unrelenting in our pursuit of truth, do not just say

I have a dream that the evil of fascism will be no more
That peace will come and there’ll be an end to illegal war
That the pursuit of justice is not blocked by biased law
And in all we strive for, equality is at the core

I have a dream that our children will be judged on merit
Where irrespective of colour or class they’re given credit
For their skills, ideas and talent, not broken in spirit
That we create a legacy that they’re proud to inherit

I have a dream of free access to education
Where knowledge is not barred due to financial situation
Where we can build a firm and secure foundation
For ourselves, our kin and the next generation

I have a dream of sufficient welfare
Free and accessible healthcare
Of a world that’s equal and fair
Where those who hold the power hear

I have a dream where we’re free to embrace
Our colour, gender, sexuality and race
Where we’re not made to feel out of place
Because of disability, status or face

I have a dream where instead of judging by skin
We live side by side, not like enemies, but kin
Where faith and hope, not hatred and ignorance, win
Where we never stop believing or dreaming

I have a dream that we will always dare
To aspire to and dream of a better world where
The quest for liberty outweighs the fear
Of those who are not brave enough to share
Our dream