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MLK's Dream Now a Reality: 69% of Blacks

Majority of blacks say King's vision fulfilled; whites more skeptical

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 19, 2009 9:28 AM CST
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(Newser) – More than two-thirds of African Americans believe that the goals set out in Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech have been met, a CNN poll finds. That number has doubled since last March, to 69% from 34%. Although whites seem to still think race relations have a long way to go, optimism is up among them as well, at 46% compared to 35%.

Forty-five years ago, on the same spot where Barack Obama will be sworn in as president, King told a crowd on the Mall, "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."

Christine King Farris, sister Martin Luther King Jr., is embraced by her granddaughter Farris Watkins, 11, as she wipes away a tear after Barack Obama secured the 2008 presidential election.
Christine King Farris, sister Martin Luther King Jr., is embraced by her granddaughter Farris Watkins, 11, as she wipes away a tear after Barack Obama secured the 2008 presidential election.   (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
In this Aug. 28, 1963 file photo, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. acknowledges the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial for his I Have a Dream speech during the March on Washington.
In this Aug. 28, 1963 file photo, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. acknowledges the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial for his "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington.   (AP Photo/File)
In this Oct. 24, 1966 file photo, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is shown in Atlanta.
In this Oct. 24, 1966 file photo, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is shown in Atlanta.   (AP Photo/file)
In this Nov. 5, 2008, file photo, people celebrate the victory of President-elect Barack Obama in Miami, while holding artwork depicting Obama and the late Martin Luther King Jr.
In this Nov. 5, 2008, file photo, people celebrate the victory of President-elect Barack Obama in Miami, while holding artwork depicting Obama and the late Martin Luther King Jr.   (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
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US • Politics

 
Barack Obama • race relations • poll • Martin Luther King Jr. • racial equality • civil rights movement • President Obama

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