The Impossible Dream
Angelia Vernon Menchan
On January 21, 2019, we celebrated Martin Luther
King, Jr. On cue on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter,
there were endless streams of images with some of
his more famous and a few of his less famous quotes.
Seems like the whole Civil Rights Movement became
watered down to a soundbite, or a few words with a
photo. Donzaleigh Abernathy grew up in a world where
loss permeated all aspects of life. She grew up in a
world where police surrounded them as they played
in their backyard. She went to school being called the
“N” word every day. Yet, she explained in the video,
“I didn’t have the luxury of being mediocre because I
represented people who looked like me.”
In today’s environment, we are reminded daily of the
issues surrounding race in America. If the 2018 election
did one thing, it ripped the rose-colored glasses from
the eyes of those with the luxury to wear them and
shined a spotlight on the racial disparity in America. She also mentioned that Dr. King’s favorite song
was, “To Dream The Impossible Dream.” That held
profound meaning for me. Last year, I found myself
worn by explicit and implicit bias in America both
from personal experience and from media stories. I
figured that was life in America. It didn’t sit well with
me. I wasn’t raised to just accept status quo, but I felt
helpless.
However, some Americans experience it every day.
They weren’t surprised that white supremacists exist
and were emboldened. Some American weren’t
shocked that Donald Trump won the election. That is
the world in which we live.
If that isn’t enough, the United Nations has cast its eye
on the racial disparities in the United States and the
justice system, in particular. If you are unaware, please
visit the following links:
https://www.sentencingproject.org/publications/un-
report-on-racial-disparities/
https://qz.com/303965/un-blasts-the-american-
justice-system-in-torture-report/
However, on the day honoring Dr. King, I was
fortunate enough to find a video featuring Donzaleigh
Abernathy, the daughter of Ralph Abernathy (https://
www.facebook.com/attn/videos/1624566537578799).
Ralph Abernathy stood next to Dr. King in the Civil
Rights Movement as a Christian minister and best
friend. So much so, Mr. Abernathy held Dr. King as his
soul transitioned from this plane.
14 | NKLC Magazine
But the thing is, I must dream the impossible dream. I
must try every day for an existence that appears to be
beyond my reach. I don’t believe that in my lifetime
that we will live in a society free from discrimination
or bias. That’s an impossible dream. But if I don’t try
for the dream, then I’m not pushing for improvements
--big or small. If I don’t call out injustices, then people
aren’t accountable. I’m not inching my world closer
toward the dream. I’m leaving the action to someone
else. I’m on some bullsh*t.
Donzaleigh Abernathy’s video ended with a call to
action. She shared that her father’s epitaph states,
“I tried.” Then she questioned, “What are you going
to do?” For me, I don’t know what form action will
take. I also don’t know if my contribution will be large
or small. I do know that for me apathy isn’t enough.
Neither is a meme.