“I have a dream.” Those four words are likely some of the most oft-repeated in American culture. Quoting Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech in front of Washington, DC’s Lincoln Memorial in August, 1963, the words “I have a dream” ring true for anyone.  The oration was brilliant because the phrase “I have a dream”, repeated several times throughout the speech, is easy to relate to, and easy to remember.  Employing the rhetorical device of repetition, King followed each “I have a dream,” phrase with a different idea about his dreams for black-white relations in particular, and for humankind in general.  As such, the “I Have A Dream” speech is considered to be a pivotal milestone in the movement to end racism in the United States, and provides an unquestioned posthumous example for appreciation of Martin Luther King’s vision and impetus – he was assassinated fewer than five years after making the speech.

Today, Rockaway Care Center proudly commemorates Martin Luther King Day.

The following are probably the most quoted sections of the “I Have A Dream” speech:

…I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood…

…I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character…

Much progress has been made with regard to African Americans since this fateful speech in 1963, and still more progress is warranted.

In terms of Rockaway Care Center, we encourage everyone to treat others equally, no matter the background, the skin color, the gender – in short, no matter what. That’s one front. And otherwise, we ask you: What are your dreams? What would you like to achieve, even slightly, while you’re at Rockaway Care Center? Let us know – we’re here to facilitate everyone’s progress, in any way possible.