by Ganelle Davis

Created on: November 03, 2009   Last Updated: November 06, 2009

We are close to a year anniversary of the very first African American being voted into office as the President, C.E.O. of the United States Of America. This was the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the ambition of Malcolm X. They both share in this rich reward for the American people. They both harnessed this legacy, in their own respectful ways.

Many times, African American's needed confidence in themselves, in their strength and power. Malcolm X reaffirmed our confidence by stating we will acquire what is do us "By any means necessary. ". This may have sounded threatening to the powers that were. It may have caused them to retreat in those combustible,turbulent times. While Dr. Martin Luther King pondered the means, necessary to achieve peaceful equality. The measures to achieve this common goal, may have been drastically different. However, they both desired to reach the mountain top together.

Years later, after the demise of both of these leaders. The African American, people have a Holiday in place to celebrate Dr, Martin Luther King and a sitting President in place, to celebrate the collaboration of these two genius minds. The legacy, is not yet complete. Completion will bridge the gap for any and all Americans.

Four decades later , we still have a way to go. Dr.Martin Luther King, was never concerned about the distance we have traveled. while, Malcolm X conceded, it was somewhat further to go. Today, we must not rest or take any of these accomplishments for granted. To do so, would be to diminish those two great men, who challenged the struggle before us and conquered it. We don't have time to judge or compare. There is still much work to do. Education is within our reach for our children. Illiteracy will be a malady of the past.

Shall we stop now, and compare our lives to the good old days,when our housing was limited and restricted and our educational goals were not obtainable? I see the dream too, now we will have to wake up to obtain it. Nothing, absolutely nothing comes to a sleeper but a dream. Will their legacy bring forth more ambitious dreamers or will their audacity be buried with these two great men. The degree of greatness can only be measured by the legacy these two great men left behind. Where are the next M.L.K. AND Malcolm X ? Are they among us and in our midst? Only time will tell.

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