Dr. King’s Speech Help Shape My Life By Robert L. Bankston
It Was All A Dream!
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espite the popular misconceptions, this is not related to Notorious B.I.G. or commemorating 50 years of hip-hop. On April 4, 1968, precisely 55 summers ago, Dr. Martin Luther King was tragically assassinated on the balcony of the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. In that moment, time seemed to freeze momentarily, and the harsh reality of his loss became undeniable. Both individuals were victims of violence; some things have not changed, but the profound impact of Dr. King’s death cannot be understated. At the age of 16, while lying in a hospital bed fighting for my life, I had the opportunity to
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listen to the iconic “I HAVE A DREAM” speech in 1985. My grandfather played Dr. King’s speech, believing it could guide him through life’s challenges, and he hoped it would do the same for me. After realizing the importance of life, I decided to make changes and enlisted in the United States Navy. Along the way, I earned my bachelor’s degree, and over the years, I found inspiration in Dr. King’s speeches, which motivated me to pursue my M.B.A. at 53. I am excited to announce that I will publish my first novel this year, motivated by Dr. King. Dr. King rose to prominence in an era of limited population despite facing low approval ratings. The impact Dr. King has on 100 Black Men
Real Men Magazine/January 2024
