By Jonique Holcomb

            If I said that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was simply a fallen hero that spoke on issues he thought would impact America, this would be an understatement at its finest; Dr. King is the epitome of the word courageous. During a time when racial tension was at its pinnacle, he openly spoke about his dissatisfaction with segregation, violence, and hatred in America; he preached about how this will change regardless of whether he had to die for it to happen. King was soon murdered on his path to equality, however, he left footprints behind, deep enough for President Barack Obama to find them and continue King's journey to a place where no one will be "judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." As Obama continues to walk rapidly with confidence on this road, Dr. King's dreams are becoming a more vivid reality.

            Barack Obama is America's first Black president and living proof that as a country, we are learning to look past the exterior of a man and into his heart instead. As the president speaks, his humble, yet confident, demeanor demands everyone's respect, just like Dr. King's did.  American voters, even some that have never voted before, took an appropriate risk by choosing this president and he has already fulfilled some of his duties in his short time in office.

            The civil rights leader and the current President are both recognized for takings risks but becoming important American legends return. President Obama was once offered a permanent position at a prestigious law firm in Chicago called Sidley Austin but instead, he took on the task of becoming a community organizer of the Chicago Roseland Community to dedicate his life to those in need. He also overcame the racism he experienced as one of the only black children in his elementary school. As King became an executive of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), he sacrificed his personal life. His home was bombed, he was physically harmed, threatened and even sent to jail on more than one occasion for violating the Alabama's anti boycott laws. Throughout this abuse, he kept his tranquility. Dr. King and President Obama's selfless acts allowed America to become more harmonious.

            The civil rights leader allowed Obama's reality of becoming the president of the free world possible. Martin Luther King marched loud enough for Barack Obama to hear the echo vibrating from the concrete under his feet; followed by the words I have a dream. Obama realized that it was time for change, and change is definitely present; America is one step closer to a utopia where everyone is colorblind.