5 Influential Figures Keeping Martin Luther King Jr's Dream Alive
"Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. ... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals." --Martin Luther King, Jr.
Every Martin Luther King Day, people look back on the vivid dream of progress and equality one man had for America's future. Today, we not only celebrate King's legacy, but also witness the continuation of his audacious vision with the second inauguration of President Barack Obama.
The president isn't the only one doing great things for blackness in 2013 and beyond. Here are five modern changemakers you should all be aware of.
Every Martin Luther King Day, people look back on the vivid dream of progress and equality one man had for America's future. Today, we not only celebrate King's legacy, but also witness the continuation of his audacious vision with the second inauguration of President Barack Obama.
The president isn't the only one doing great things for blackness in 2013 and beyond. Here are five modern changemakers you should all be aware of.
Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey
This rising political star (and third African-American mayor of Newark) shook things up with his fiery speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, and continues to make waves with his political agenda. The peoples' mayor, who rescued a neighbor from a fire last year and lived on a food stamp budget to raise food insecurity awareness, is a possible presidential candidate in 2016 or 2020.
This rising political star (and third African-American mayor of Newark) shook things up with his fiery speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, and continues to make waves with his political agenda. The peoples' mayor, who rescued a neighbor from a fire last year and lived on a food stamp budget to raise food insecurity awareness, is a possible presidential candidate in 2016 or 2020.
Marc Lamont-Hill, Educator, Journalist and TV Personality
Dr. Hill is a man of many talents. He is an Associate Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University as well as the host of shows "Our World with Black Enterprise" and "HuffPost Live," a live-streaming network that spotlights stories in order to foster conversation and commentary. The longtime social justice activist is also considered one of the leading hip-hop generation intellectuals in the country.
Dr. Hill is a man of many talents. He is an Associate Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University as well as the host of shows "Our World with Black Enterprise" and "HuffPost Live," a live-streaming network that spotlights stories in order to foster conversation and commentary. The longtime social justice activist is also considered one of the leading hip-hop generation intellectuals in the country.
Jamal Simmons, Writer and Political Analyst
The established political analyst has been a commentator for media powerhouses like CBS News and CNN. Aside from just speaking, Simmons has made his rounds on the political scene. He was chief of staff to U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, a political aide to U.S. Trade Rep. and Commerce Secretary Mickey Kanto and worked for President Bill Clinton's administration in several other areas.
The established political analyst has been a commentator for media powerhouses like CBS News and CNN. Aside from just speaking, Simmons has made his rounds on the political scene. He was chief of staff to U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, a political aide to U.S. Trade Rep. and Commerce Secretary Mickey Kanto and worked for President Bill Clinton's administration in several other areas.
Jeff Johnson, Television Journalist and Motivational Speaker
Some of our earliest memories of "Cousin Jeff" Johnson came from his days as the host of BET's Rap City, where he covered issues such as voting and violence. He has since expanded his brand and his platform of influence to include being a Tom Joyner Morning Show commentator, an author, the national director of the youth and college division of the NAACP, the vice president of the Hip Hop Summit Action Network and being a motivational speaker (he channels Dr. King's purposeful energy in the delivery of his speeches).
Some of our earliest memories of "Cousin Jeff" Johnson came from his days as the host of BET's Rap City, where he covered issues such as voting and violence. He has since expanded his brand and his platform of influence to include being a Tom Joyner Morning Show commentator, an author, the national director of the youth and college division of the NAACP, the vice president of the Hip Hop Summit Action Network and being a motivational speaker (he channels Dr. King's purposeful energy in the delivery of his speeches).
Barack Obama, President of the United States
The direct correlation between Obama and King go without saying. Like that of the slain civil rights leader, Obama's peaceful demeanor and aspirations of hope resonate well with the American people. Whether or not the nation can agree on his policies, Obama singlehandedly changed American history and has left an everlasting impression on its' citizens. He is a leader people argue has undoubtedly helped continue the dream.
"My fellow Americans," he said to millions in his inaugural address, "we are made for this moment and we will seize it, so long as we seize it together.”
The direct correlation between Obama and King go without saying. Like that of the slain civil rights leader, Obama's peaceful demeanor and aspirations of hope resonate well with the American people. Whether or not the nation can agree on his policies, Obama singlehandedly changed American history and has left an everlasting impression on its' citizens. He is a leader people argue has undoubtedly helped continue the dream.
"My fellow Americans," he said to millions in his inaugural address, "we are made for this moment and we will seize it, so long as we seize it together.”
