Making it Reality

By Dorothy J. Hill

Making it Reality

Some time ago, it was decided that America would commemorate the day that an individual was born. This individual took it upon himself to do everything he could to make things better for everyone, but more specifically those who were known as African-Americans. Being one who is of this descent, I have developed an understanding of why certain things are the way they are and how they came to be. The man who has been so highly honored is Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Throughout our years of education, we are often introduced or re-introduced to Dr. King and the things that he was able to accomplish before being assassinated in April 1968. It was during this time that the Civil Rights Movement was taking place. It was also during this time that the most adversity and controversy had come about causing many to wonder how this could be. One of the biggest issues faced was racism/segregation. It is something that is still dealt with and experienced some 44 years later from 1968 to 2012. Can you believe that?? Almost four and half decades later and this is still a problem.

Dr. King was considered to be a revolutionary along with his contemporary Malcolm X. There were so many others who made sacrifices, much of whom will continue to remain unknown. It was only because Dr. King made the life-changing decision to become a martyr for justice, but his life was unjustly taken (which is debatable).

Being an African-American, I have had to deal with many unfortunate situations, but I am grateful to still be alive, because some people are killed just because of the color of their skin, which is utterly ridiculous to me. The argument can always be presented that we did not choose to be what or who we are. This was predestined and there’s nothing that we can do about it, unless of course you want to take drastic measures and bleach your skin to perpetrate something that you are not. I have come to the realization that I am here to serve some kind of purpose. It may not be to the extent of Dr. King’s but we each are born with a specific purpose to fulfill.

Saint Xavier exemplifies eight core values, one of which is Diversity. Being an institution that is predominately Caucasian, they do a great job of implementing things from other cultures. One is the celebration of Dr. King’s life through what has been titled “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Week 2012”, which is sponsored by the Department of Campus, Division of Student Affairs, Black Student Union, Education Club, and Mercy Students for Peace and Justice. Many of these are student organizations on our campus that represent strong values in educating the ignorant so that they may be aware of the truths of what took place and not fallacies.
Everyone possesses a different perspective on what has taken place through history. The things that we learn through our education at school are merely opinions or words that have been provided through various perspectives. Because of this, it is difficult to get an accurate account of how life was. We are only able to go by what we are told and what we see that has been recorded for documentation. It is up to the individual to decipher and decide what makes sense.

Who knows? Maybe, just maybe we will enter a time when people will look beyond race and stereotypes and really consider a person based upon the content of their character. I hope that I am able to witness it in my lifetime, but then again, it might just be wasted wishful thinking. I am definitely not a pessimist, very far from it. I just know that it is better for you to keep things in perspective and remain in the reality of things. It’s less of a headache.

The dream is still yet to be fulfilled. I hope that you, or your descendents, will be part of making it a reality. Peace and blessings!

Dorothy J. Hill is a senior from Chicago, IL. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. Dorothy is a Student Ambassador and currently serves as the Training Coordinator at Saint Xavier.