I have a dream! No, that’s BS
I live a reality.
A reality of a world in which the men
Who preach non-violence die by it.
A reality where the first time I heard the “I have a dream” speech in its entirety
I wanted to punch a happy clown in the face. As I felt anger ’cause not much had changed.
Sitting in a campus where some had only seen black people on MTV
I’m talking about ’96 not 1856.
A reality where although my photography hangs on the walls
Of this great building.
When I walk outside ignorance still clutches her purse.
Where a grandfather can come to care for his grandchild and end up crippled for not speaking English.
Yes… I’m angry at times… but in reality hope refreshes me like a wave splash or a warm summer breeze.
The reality is, that although Langston Hughes poems read as if they were written yesterday.
Dr King and the whole movement gave us the chance to be here today.
I have an opportunity to teach my sons to be tolerant but never to be stepped on.
In this reality I could read the “Letter from Birmingham” hundreds of times but if I let my anger take over the dream dies.
Instead, I channel that anger into creating positive outcomes.
The energy one could use to hate could power the most precious and intelligent minds.
To bring about the continuous change that we need.
Not mentally castrate individuals as it was done to 49,000 in Europe.
Robbing us of one of the most brilliant minds on earth.
The father of modern day computers. All in the name of intolerance.
You see, even in the darkest hours the hope of that ray of light has made us do great things.
We must each one teach one as History only repeats itself if we let it.
The goal should not be to feel comfortable with each other.
However as a hive work as one.
Through my art and voice I want to shine that ray of light into the darkest corners.
We must stay hopeful but vigilant, because if we stand for a splash of ignorance the wave is sure to bury us!
José Ramirez
