LOGIN

At Lincoln Memorial, Observers Acknowledge America’s Imperfections but Recognize Progress Since the Historic March on Washington

by Sophia Chen
6 comments
Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial currently presents a scene of construction and barriers, symbolizing that, at this moment in time, it remains an incomplete monument to the nation’s 16th president.

In a broader sense, the United States itself, the country that Abraham Lincoln fought to preserve, and the dream that Martin Luther King Jr. articulated on its steps nearly six decades ago at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, is also an ongoing project.

The array of individuals visiting the Lincoln and MLK memorials, along with the African American Museum of History and Culture, includes everyone from a 10-year-old student who hails from Colombia to a septuagenarian college counselor and retired military veteran. Among them is at least one person who attended the original march as a child. These visitors concur that parts of King’s speech have been realized, while others remain aspirational. They also emphasize that achieving progress required a collaboration of diverse races.

A Participant from the 1963 March

Diane Miller, now 72, recalls marching five miles to the reflecting pool as a 12-year-old with her family. She intends to take part in the 60th anniversary and vividly remembers the multicultural crowd. It was her first realization that not all white people were against Black individuals, a joyful realization for her.

Miller, on a church trip with People’s Congregational United Church of Christ, reflects on that day, seeing many of King’s dreams fulfilled but recognizing ongoing struggles. She emphasizes that the future belongs to the youth and urges them to continue building themselves stronger.

Veteran, Academic Advisor, and Pastor

Tommie Babbs, also 72, served in the military for over thirty years and has seen positive changes predating King’s speech. He perceives the election of Barack Obama as a sign of America’s commitment to change and hopes for a future where character is the primary judgment criterion. Babbs, an Air Force veteran, acknowledges the painful racial incidents but also sees unity emerging from tragedies, as with a race-related shooting in Buffalo in 2022.

Civil Rights Attorney

Cynthia Robbins, a fellow churchgoer with Miller, became a civil rights attorney out of belief in King’s dream. She sees the importance of fighting against growing white supremacy, hate movements, and legislative actions that hinder equality. She views the pursuit of justice as an ongoing effort that cannot be taken for granted.

Incoming College Freshman

Zahir Harris, 18, recognizes the ongoing movement but also appreciates the freedoms he now enjoys. These were freedoms that minorities did not have during King’s era.

From Colombia to Greenville, South Carolina

Tomas Galeano, 10, sees freedom symbolized in the United States. Recently moved from Colombia, he has experienced respect and equality in his new home and encourages others to follow King’s principles of effort and persistence.

The Iconic Dream Speech

Approximately a mile from the steps where King delivered his speech, the original copy is on loan to the African American Museum of History and Culture. Visitors approach the display with reverence.

Jan Gunning, a professor emeritus, praises the speech as one of history’s great orations, highlighting the power of King’s delivery. Asmatiek Fields, a basketball coach, describes the emotional impact of the speech, reflecting on its historical context and continuing significance.

In the end, the Lincoln Memorial, in its current state of reconstruction, serves as a metaphor for America’s ongoing journey towards fulfilling the dreams that were eloquently spoken at its steps. Visitors’ reflections underscore both the progress made and the continued efforts needed to achieve a more just and equal nation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lincoln Memorial

What is the main symbolism of the construction at the Lincoln Memorial as described in the text?

The construction at the Lincoln Memorial symbolizes that it remains an incomplete monument, reflecting the broader sense that the United States itself, and the dream articulated by Martin Luther King Jr., is also an ongoing project.

Who are the visitors featured in the text, and what are their backgrounds?

The visitors range from a 10-year-old student from Colombia to a 70-something college advisor and retired military veteran, including participants from the original 1963 March on Washington, a civil rights attorney, an incoming college freshman, a veteran, and academic advisor.

What is the common sentiment among the visitors regarding Martin Luther King’s speech?

The common sentiment among the visitors is that parts of King’s speech have been realized, while others remain aspirational. They recognize progress but emphasize that achieving full equality and justice requires ongoing effort.

How do the visitors to the Lincoln Memorial view the current state of America?

They view America as a nation that has made significant progress since the March on Washington, but also recognize that there are ongoing struggles. They see both fulfillment of King’s dreams and areas where there are still battles.

Where is the original copy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech displayed?

The original copy of the “I Have a Dream” speech is on loan to the African American Museum of History and Culture, where visitors can view it.

More about Lincoln Memorial

You may also like

6 comments

Tom R. August 25, 2023 - 9:47 pm

America’s a work in progress, much like the construction at the memorial, we’ll get there someday. Loved reading this.

Reply
Emily K August 26, 2023 - 2:40 am

I think about MLK’s speech often and this article brought it to life again, so much to think about. It’s a must read for everyone who believes in equality.

Reply
Benny_L August 26, 2023 - 4:00 am

I wish i had seen the original copy of King’s speech, must be moving to see the actual words. Thx for sharing this.

Reply
Jane Smith August 26, 2023 - 8:38 am

Really touched by this article, reminds me how far we’ve come and how much further we need to go.

Reply
Sara Thompson August 26, 2023 - 8:58 am

the diversity of the people in this article reflects the beauty of America, I guess. We still have flaws but we’re working on it.

Reply
Mike J. August 26, 2023 - 1:13 pm

i had the chance to visit the Lincoln Memorial once, an inspiring place. It’s amazing to think of all the history that unfolded there.

Reply

Leave a Comment

BNB – Big Big News is a news portal that offers the latest news from around the world. BNB – Big Big News focuses on providing readers with the most up-to-date information from the U.S. and abroad, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, entertainment, business, health, and more.

Editors' Picks

Latest News