I Cannot Imagine

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge

and controversy. 

-Dr. Martin Luther King

I cannot imagine leading a national boycott at twenty-six years old. Think about it, one person was able to work with so many, to boycott the most prevalent transportation system of its time-for 382 days. That type of dedication to a specific cause is unthinkable!

I cannot imagine going to jail twenty times, being stab in the chest, having my house bombed, being attacked frequently, and having threats against my family.

I cannot imagine in eleven years, traveling nearly 600 million miles, communicating  2,500 speeches, writing five books, a dozen articles, winning the Noble Peace Prize,meeting with the president, and being named Time magazine's Person Of The Year.

I cannot imagine delivering one of the most powerful speeches in United States history, in front of 250,000 people on the Washington Monument. 

His vision for equality made it possible for my wife and me to date, marry, and start a 

family. His voice inspired hope all over the world. His value for humanity brought all walks of life together. The valleys this country experience became the spring board to the victories I experience daily. Along the same lines, it is hard to believe that a man would volunteer his well-being to make my daughter's better.

His short-lived life embodies some of the most essential character traits we want from our students: collaboration, imagination, dedication, honesty, and critical thinking. 

I cannot imagine this world without  Dr. Martin Luther King! I cannot imagine the world without his dream.

-Rodney S. Lewis, Ed.D.