Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream lives on

"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 my four 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."

Martin Luther King Jr., 1963>

As the United States celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today, his message of love, hope and non-violence still resonates in American hearts and minds nearly 40 years after his death.

The Nobel Prize-winning civil rights leader inspired people from all walks of life to work for freedom and against oppression.

More Coverage Stories Two parishes honor King's legacy [01/21/08] Group wants to expand MLK scholarships [01/21/08] Message offers close link between two struggles [01/21/08]Historian's fear King's legacy being lost [01/21/08]

King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tenn.

Suburban residents, asked by the Daily Herald to reflect on their own dreams for racial harmony, responded with messages of hope.

Take the Rev. Kendall Koenig, pastor of Light of Christ Lutheran Church in Algonquin, for instance: "My dream is that the prejudices that people may have grown up with #8230; can be discarded to experience people as who they are -- gifts from God#8230;"

Cook Co.

Martin Luther King Jr. left an indelible mark on America, in part through his speeches. One of his most memorable was his "I Have a Dream" speech given in 1963.

Here's what residents told Daily Herald reporters about how that vision fits into their dreams.

"Just to have everyone understand that people come from different backgrounds. I feel like a lot of comments or negativity toward people of different cultures happens because people just don't understand each other."

-- Betty Li, accountant, of Wheeling

"My dream is that regardless of color, ethnicity or socioeconomics, all students will have access to a quality education, and that there won't be this great disparity of wealth among suburban, rural and inner-city school districts throughout our country."

-- Venetia L. Miles, director of community relations, Northwest Suburban High School District 214

"The American Dream represents the epitome of the human dream -- the dream to be free, to express oneself openly, to work toward a goal and benefit from its achievement, to reach one's potential, to become educated and to understand that freedom truly is not free. It is a responsibility we have to ourselves and each other. Until education wins over ignorance, until tolerance wins over hatred, until acceptance wins over rejection, until the power of humanity at its best wins over indifference, until hope replaces resignation and until action replaces words, we will not be free nor will we have peace."

-- Pamela Olander of Palatine

"I think that Dr. King's ('I Have a Dream') speech and his life expanded on Brown vs. Board of Education and expanded equality. In the educational context -- and for me that's where change happens and how change happens -- I believe you model for kids to celebrate diversity, to celebrate different people and to learn tolerance."

-- Miriam (Mimi) Cooper, attorney and Northwest Suburban High School District 214 board member

"I would love to be able to see, in my lifetime, race and color not having any impact on people's decision making -- be it on a personal or professional level. The only way I see this happening is for people to stop being complacent about injustices, even at the most basic levels in everyday life, and teaching this to our children. Although we have had so much progress, it seems we still have so far to go."

-- Aisha Mohyuddin, banker, Rolling Meadows

"The line in that speech that always grabbed me was his reference to his kids, almost praying for the day that they would be, '...judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.' When the day arrives that we can look past the physical appearance, job title, car brand, bank account and other trappings of those around us and appreciate the value of all our fellow men, we will get much closer to Dr. King's dream. Unfortunately, in most sectors of our society, a dream it still is."

-- Tim Daro, 55, president, Bernard Co., Palatine

"I have a dream that bringing those who commit crimes against humanity to justice will deter genocide and ethnic cleansing in this new century."

-- Jonathan Fanton, president of the John D. and Catherine T. McArthur Foundation, which supports human rights and international justice around the world

"Our church is pretty multiracial. It's a small church, but we have members from all races. We just celebrate that all the time. We feel that way not only because that's how our community is, but because it's a microcosm of what the kingdom of God is going to be like. I'd just hope for more equality in job wages. And I would hope that everyone would have affordable housing, even if they don't have high wages."

-- Pauline Kennel, co-pastor of Christ Community Mennonite Church in Schaumburg

"My dream would be for people to see each other as the unique individuals they are and not immediately try to separate, identify, categorize or stereotype."

-- Jennifer Bulandr, Barrington Hills

"My dream is that people don't dislike being around people of other races. It shouldn't matter what the color of your skin or religion is."

-- Jacob Bulandr, 11, of Barrington Hills

"My dream is that mankind would be colorblind to racial issues, and they would understand that peace begins with each and every one of us."

--Ron Nunes, president of Badger Insurance in Roselle

"Although the challenges mankind faces in today's world have changed, I feel Dr. King's speech is more relevant than ever. I believe I can truly speak for my entire generation when I say that our world could still benefit from adopting Dr. King's timeless mantra as its own, that '... all men are created equal.' "

-- Ryan Carlson, Schaumburg, who works in sales at Abt Electronics in Glenview

"I hope one day we will all see the differences in people as something to celebrate, and not shy away from."

Liz Noe, Palatine, event planner

"My dream for equality and peace is... that we in corporate America could serve as an example for the rest of the world by working together effectively across geographically dispersed and culturally diverse teams."

-- Candi Castleberry-Singleton, vice president, Global Inclusion and Diversity, Motorola Inc.

"I think that society has come a long way in terms of racial equality, gender equity, and eliminating prejudice. However, I still think we need to continue to improve. I think prejudice in the year 2008 has moved slightly away from race and gender, and now extends to people of the Middle East and those whose sexual preference is not the same as our own. Unfortunately, these are just more examples of elitism and closed-mindedness. If society could realize that life is not a contest that always has to be won, then maybe acceptance of differences would become the norm instead of the exception."

-- Paul A. Solarz of Mount Prospect, teacher at Westgate Elementary School in Arlington Heights

"We need to be moving forward -- always. And I think we also need to recognize what has been gained, but that there is so much to do."

-- Betsy Ebeling, Arlington Heights resident, Hillary Clinton childhood friend and campaigner, assistant to the director of the Illinois Department of Human Rights

"I don't think it's an issue of race or color. It's an issue of where man stands before a perfect creator."

-- Tim Almy, Long Grove business owner

Lake Co.

Martin Luther King Jr. left an indelible mark on America, in part through his speeches. One of his most memorable was his "I Have a Dream" speech given in 1963.

Here's what residents told Daily Herald reporters about how that vision fits into their dreams.

"My dream would be that all of government -- state, local and U.S. government -- would treat everybody equally and work toward that."

-- Joe Spalding, of North Chicago, retired from the Navy and Abbott Laboratories

"My dream for racial equality and peace is that all children have access to quality education and health care so that they can grow up to be healthy adults who are prepared to live, work and contribute in a global community."

-- Cynthia Heidorn, superintendent of Mundelein District 75, where more than a quarter of the 2,018 students are considered low income

"My dream would be that race would not be something we need to consider and not a barrier and any way. I think as time goes by, that is beginning to become more and more the case and it is not really becoming a barrier at all. As people of different races have more contact with each other, we realize there is not that much of a difference between us at all. I really believe that."

-- Harry Bork, director, Fox Lake Library

"Being an educator for over 25 years, my dream for racial equality and peace is a better understanding and appreciation to expand our programs and educate our youth in the importance for a strong multicultural program for all school stakeholders."

-- John Benedetti, superintendent, Grant High School District 124

"I have a dream that one day we can look at each other as brothers and sisters and embrace our ethnic origins with pride and not be fearful of the racists. That our diverse communities finally realize that if they come together in peace they can all see their dreams come true. All of those immigration issues going on right now makes me think of racial inequality. A lot of people think it's based on one race. There's a lot of different races involved and a lot of different countries that are going through those type of issues."

-- Elena Lara, public relations coordinator for the Round Lake Area Library

DuPage Co.

Martin Luther King Jr. left an indelible mark on America, in part through his speeches. One of his most memorable was his "I Have a Dream" speech given in 1963.

Here's what residents told Daily Herald reporters about how that vision fits into their dreams.

"My dream is that we have racial equality in the world. I still walk into the cafeteria and see many of the kids sitting separately. Even within the diversity club, they sit with their own groups. #8230; I would hope it would happen, though I'm not sure it's going to happen in my lifetime."

-- Nancy Braus, a teacher at Lake Park High School in Roselle.

"When you watch the waiting room, people come from many different backgrounds and faiths and cultures. You see them talking to each other. Sometimes they get to comparing symptoms. My dream would be to see one of our best days here translate into a bigger picture, where it doesn't matter what color or background or beliefs you have."

-- Carol McHaley, executive director, DuPage Community Clinic in Wheaton, which offers free health care for people without insurance

"I wish we would stop being so thin-skinned, whether that skin is white, black or whatever. And stop being so politically correct, especially in comedy. It's become really obscene that you look at television shows in the 1970s and those shows can't be done today because they'd be considered politically incorrect and that's a step backward. Everyone should just lighten up and enjoy life and one another. We should relish our differences and similarities. We're so politically correct in what we expect from the media, but our everyday life is just the opposite of that. I think Martin Luther King would be very upset to look upon where we're at as a society and find that freedom of speech has decreased."

-- Dave Sinker, co-owner of the Comedy Shrine in Naperville

"Peace begins within each of us. My dream for the world to achieve peace and equality is that every human being would have a selfless, forgiving heart filled with love and respect for others. Love never dies."

-- Annmarie Siwik, DiGiovine Hnilo Jordan Johnson Ltd., Naperville

"My dream is that the America that we affirm in the Pledge of Allegiance, 'One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,' that that would be realized in a greater way so that there's discrimination against no one based on age, gender, sex or race."

-- Rev. Andre Allen, pastor of Second Baptist Church in Wheaton

"Just peace on earth, that's all."

-- Victor Macias, Glendale Heights police commission board member

"I want people to not #8230; be intimidated by each other's differences and really learn and be engaged and try to understand one another. I'm not telling anyone to lose part of themselves but gain part of someone else instead."

-- Viviana Kabbabe, director of multicultural affairs, North Central College, Naperville

"My dream for racial equality and peace is that we will soon reach a moment in time where everyone is truly judged by their good works and contributions to making this world a better place for all. In my dream the character of the person is truly the focus instead of what the person's race or culture may be. What's in a person's heart and their beliefs is what really matters."

-- Deborah Chambers Chima, Chambers Consulting Group Ltd., Naperville

"As a man dedicated to the service of his fellow man, Dr. King set an important example about the difference we can all make in our communities. It is only fitting that the day honoring him has inspired so many others to volunteer in their communities in a nationwide Day of Service. My personal hope is to continue today's spirit throughout the year. Giving of ourselves within our communities helps foster a culture of peace, respect and understanding that grows with time -- and demonstrates our values to the next generation."

-- J.W. Penland, Oak Brook, area vice president for Sprint

"Our church, because of where it is in the Fox Valley ... it's not going to look like this in heaven. There will be a lot more people of color and tongues and races, just like it says in Revelation. If we can begin to get to that more here on Earth -- I always tell people that if you have prejudices on earth, you are going to have a hard time in heaven."

-- Rev. Ron Weidler, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Batavia. Weidler grew up on the South Side of Chicago in the 1960s

"That we all could equally participate in the economic and social mainstream of our nation, with equal access to education, to housing, to jobs -- that's what racial equality for me would look like."

-- Danata Andrews, chief operating officer/vice president, Quad County Urban League, Aurora

"My dream is that mankind would be colorblind to racial issues, and they would understand that peace begins with each and every one of us."

-- Ron Nunes, 48, president of Badger Insurance in Roselle

Fox Valley

Martin Luther King Jr. left an indelible mark on America, in part through his speeches. One of his most memorable was his "I Have a Dream" speech given in 1963.

Here's what residents told Daily Herald reporters about how that vision fits into their dreams.

"In honor of Martin Luther King, and the Higher Being we both try to serve, I have a dream, that every child in Illinois and in this great country, receives the fair and equitable education needed to reach their human potential. We have a long way to go toward making this dream in Illinois a reality. #8230; Martin Luther King knew in his heart that all children are created equal in God's eyes. I know if he were alive today that Martin Luther King's voice wouldn't stop until this spending gap were history. And so I will keep talking along with my many fellow advocates until education funding reform in Illinois is a reality. Justice is true peace."

-- Laurel Bault, A+ Illinois, regional organizer, Elgin

"Our church, because of where it is in the Fox Valley ... it's not going to look like this in heaven. There will be a lot more people of color and tongues and races, just like it says in Revelation. If we can begin to get to that more here on Earth -- I always tell people that if you have prejudices on earth, you are going to have a hard time in heaven."

-- Rev. Ron Weidler, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Batavia. Weidler grew up on the South Side of Chicago in the 1960s

"With the development of Hispanics in this country, I want people to see we are looking for the same things for our families and we are good people. We can share a common faith, common beliefs no matter the race or color, or origin. We are in a very special country that lets people develop in a special way.

-- Rev. Rene R. Alvarez, Pastor, Comunidad Cristiana Cumberland, East Dundee

"My dream for racial equality and peace is to live in a world where individuality and mutual respect are the prominent components of the society in which we live."

-- Mike Berger, executive director, Dundee Township Boys and Girls Club

"I'd like there to be a more level playing field, a world where you're not judged by the color of your skin. There would be less crime and less drug abuse if there was less racism."

-- Christopher Harmon, senior assistant McHenry County state's attorney

"Martin Luther King Jr. set forth a dream in words we can connect to. It was a vision planted before us that we all could shoot for, no matter who we were. We're not completely there yet, so that's why it's important we hear the words of the 'I have a dream' speech periodically. It certainly supports the scripture and guides us to be the way God wants us to be."

-- John P. Nelson, senior pastor, Hosanna! Lutheran Church, St. Charles

"That we all could equally participate in the economic and social mainstream of our nation, with equal access to education, to housing, to jobs -- that's what racial equality for me would look like."

-- Danata Andrews, chief operating officer/vice president, Quad County Urban League, Aurora

"I have a dream #8230; that languages serve as a communication tool that dignifies and unifies all human beings and is not used as a brick wall that emphasizes our differences."

-- Wilma Valero, director of programs for English Language Learners, Elgin Area School District U-46

"Although we have made some great progress, the dream of Dr. King has not been realized. There are still too many prejudices on the country and the world. We must continue to fight to keep justice colorblind. No one should be limited based on the color of their skin. I pray God will continue to move in this country."

-- Rev. Nathaniel Edmond, pastor of the Second Baptist Church, Elgin

"Could racial equity and peace be achieved if we had an annual multicultural party in which weapons are dismantled, greed is mitigated and past mistakes are forgiven? That's my dream."

-- Carolyn Schamberger, Geneva

"We've overcome many barriers, but there are still those out there that need to be overcome. In education, some kids graduate from inter city schools who can't read. They can't function on a national level with those who graduate and can read. We still have a disproportionate number of Afro-Americans locked up in jails. All kids, regardless of race, just need the ear of someone who will listen to them."

-- South Elgin police Det. J. Brown, who is the liaison officer with Kenyon Woods Middle School

"I would pray to God that his dream is fulfilled."

-- Sue Mitchell, Geneva

"My dream is that the prejudices that people may have grown up with, through time and experience, can be discarded to experience people as who they are -- gifts from God for our world and gifts to each other, and to be able to see beyond skin color or anything else, to the uniqueness and gifts of who that person is."

-- Rev. Kendall Koenig, pastor of Light of Christ Lutheran Church in Algonquin

"It would be nice if we just all sit down and figure out a way to fix this, to fix the bad feelings some of the kids see when their parents #8230; have to talk about if they're legal or not legal. If we could all just be together and look at it as -- it's not just going to get fixed by one side, we all have to work together. We try to focus on not what's our differences, but how do we work together? We want everybody to be judged by what's inside them and not so much by the color of their skin and where they're from."

-- Randall Valdivia, music teacher, Meadowdale Elementary School, Carpentersville