Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Man Who Is More Than His Dream
By Douglas I. Oliver ’93, Milton Hershey School 2024 Alumnus of the Year
Today, maybe more than any other day of the year, challenges us to think deeply—not just about our past, but about our present and future. Indeed, the enduring spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is more important than ever. Yet, I believe it’s fair to wonder if we’ve grown weary of celebrating his life and legacy.
To illustrate this point, let me share a personal story. A few weeks ago, my wife and I were decorating a room in our house. We wanted to put up three photos of African American leaders who we thought represented our journey. We thought about the countless contributions of dozens of African American leaders through the years, including many of the usual names—Harriet Tubman, W.E.B. Dubois, Rosa Parks, Stokely Carmichael, John Lewis, Malcolm X., Marcus Garvey, Fredrick Douglas, and, of course, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Just as quickly as we raised the name of MLK, though, we dismissed it. We didn’t want our room to turn into an “elementary school classroom.” Dr. King was too “cliché.” We agreed that he didn’t make the cut.
But then we had to pause.
“Didn’t make the cut?” Why? How can it be that Dr. King “didn’t make the cut?” Were his contributions not great enough? We actually had to give it some thought—and so we did. And here’s what we came up with. Dr. King was a visionary, a dreamer, and above all, a doer. His work fundamentally reshaped our nation’s approach to civil rights, equality, and justice. How could anybody have “MLK fatigue”?
Unfulfilled Dreams
It seems one reason for this “weariness” is the perception that King’s dream remains unfulfilled. Despite the progress we’ve made, stark inequalities persist—in education, employment, wealth, and justice. It can feel disheartening to celebrate a vision of unity and equity when so much work remains undone.
But isn’t that the point of his message? Dr. King himself once said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Celebrating his legacy isn’t about declaring victory—it’s about recommitting to the journey he started.
Oversimplification and Misunderstanding
Another challenge is the way Dr. King’s legacy has been oversimplified. His words are often used as soundbites—stripped of their deeper meaning. We frequently hear his famous words from the “I Have a Dream” speech, but how often do we reflect on his radical critique of systemic inequality and economic oppression? Dr. King stood for more than racial equality; he stood for justice in all its forms, and he called on all of us—every single one of us—to play a role. We owe it to his legacy—and to ourselves—to understand the full picture of who he was and what he fought for.
Evolving Conversations
We also live in a time where younger generations are forging their own paths in the fight for justice. Movements like Black Lives Matter have inspired bold, urgent calls for change, sometimes even questioning the effectiveness of Dr. King’s nonviolent approach. While these conversations can feel divisive, they’re actually a testament to King’s enduring impact. People are still engaging with his ideas, wrestling with his strategies, and striving to build on his work. That is a legacy worth celebrating.
The Way Forward
So, how do we breathe new life into the celebration of Dr. King’s legacy?
First, we can educate ourselves and others about the full scope of King’s work—not just the dream, but the actions and sacrifices behind it. Dr. King was not only a leader; he was a servant—a man who called on us to serve others and build a better society through collective effort.
Secondly, we can turn this day into more than a day off and into an opportunity for action and service—service to people, to communities, and to justice. Participating in a day of service or engaging in meaningful conversations about equity can help us embody his vision.
Thirdly, we can broaden the narrative. Dr. King’s dream wasn’t just about racial equality—it was about justice for all people. By connecting his work to the struggles we face today—whether they involve economic inequality, climate justice, or gender equity—we can honor his legacy in a way that resonates with everyone.
And lastly, we can live MLK’s dream by remembering—throughout the year—the ideals he exemplified. Dr. King faced threats, imprisonment, and ultimately gave his life for the cause of equality. He did not waver in his commitment to creating lasting change. Think about the courage it took for Dr. King to stand up against systemic injustice. The lasting lesson for us is we must be brave and bold, even when it’s hard.
Never Tired
To those who believe the progress we’ve made as a society is enough and think the work is done, let me remind you of this: There are still people who face discrimination and injustice because of their race, religion, or background. And there are still children in the world who don’t have access to education. The work is absolutely not finished. Rather than be frustrated by it, though, we should be activated by it.
We must never forget Dr. King’s contributions and his legacy. To do so would be a disservice to his sacrifice—and to the future he died trying to build for all of us. My hope on this day is that we dream bolder. Let’s truly lift up others. Let’s dare to create a better world. And may we never grow tired of honoring Dr. King’s courage, sacrifices, and unwavering belief in the incredible power of opportunity for all.
Read More about Diversity and Inclusion at MHS Learn More about Douglas I. Oliver ’93