Unfulfilled Dreams

Dr. King’s speech “Unfulfilled Dreams” addresses the deep existential dread that resides in the human heart.  I listened to an audio recording of the speech as I was getting ready for class on the anniversary of MLK’s assassination.  I sat down in front of my mirror, the sun pouring in through the window, and allowed the sound of King’s voice to fill the quiet. I grew up in a very religious household and so when King began to talk about David I subconsciously prepared myself to receive a familiar sermon about how the Lord loved David and that despite his flaws David was an admirable person, meant to serve as a leader. 

Instead, King began his speech by talking about David’s temple, a point that I had never heard discussed previously.  As King went on to describe the temple and what it symbolized for David and his people I began to feel a deep, familiar sorrow come across me.  Sitting alone in my room, King’s words forced me to address the reality of my own temples, the things I want to accomplish, who I am versus who I want to be.  I was overwhelmed as King described the spiritual temples of Gandhi and Paul, temples that never materialized.  This message from King felt raw and personal, as if he were laying bear the burdens of his heart.  This message was delivered a month before his assassination and in the midst of inner and outer conflict of the Civil Rights Movement.  King’s temple was that of economic equity and justice for black men and women, and between him and that temple stretched legal boundaries and deep rooted, hate driven racism. 

            Despite this turmoil, that in his life, the life of each listener, and the state of the movement as a whole, King urged for the temple to be built anyway.  King declared that it was okay if the temple was actualized in your lifetime as long as you fought hard for it to come to pass. There is a desperation in his voice as he charges everyone listening to his words to walk a path that will lead to the construction of the temple.  This speech serves as a call to arms, urging people to continue to fight for justice and equity, even when it seems like it will never present itself. 

Hearing King repeat the words “it was well that it was within thine heart” brings forth a sense of peace in that though the temple may not have been built, the intention was there, the fight was there, and because of that, it is well.  This message is one characterized by a sense of solemn hope and the promise that, eventually, the temple will be built.