Thoughts from DC Day 2 by Jordan Harris
DAY 2: JANUARY 19, 2009
On this day the foundation had organized a luncheon to celebrate the life and legacy of Civil Rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.
The atmosphere was breathtaking as we all stood at the doors of the grand ballroom waiting for the luncheon to begin. Martin L. King III, who was only 10 years old when his larger than life father was killed, shared insightful messages and stories of his father’s life.
He reminded us that although the inauguration of Obama is a momentous historical moment it is yet a milestone on the path to his father's dream and not the dream fulfilled. Martin King III inspired us to roll up our sleeves in take part in bringing the King dream to reality.
We were treated to the many talents of youth from the DC metro area. From singing to oration, it reminded us of what the dream really is about. It's a dream that those youth who performed would receive every opportunity at success regardless of race, color, or creed. The performers included youth from the Ron Clarke Academy who became stars on YouTube for their election song written to a tune by rapper TI.
Later that night, I ran around the corner from my hotel for a bite to eat. As I made my way back, I passed the doorway of the National Press Club and saw two SUVs pull up. Suddenly, out jumped the 42nd president of the United States, President William J. Clinton. I heard myself say out loud, "Oh my God it's President Clinton."
Surprised to see him I stopped. He smiled, approached and extended his hand. I shook it and said, “Pleasure to meet you Mr. President." By then a crowd had gathered but Clinton had already vanished inside. The fact that I wanted to maintain my composure kept me from jumping up and down and screaming. But as soon as I got to my room, I called my mom, my dad, my grandma and posted it to my Facebook page.
On this day the foundation had organized a luncheon to celebrate the life and legacy of Civil Rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.
The atmosphere was breathtaking as we all stood at the doors of the grand ballroom waiting for the luncheon to begin. Martin L. King III, who was only 10 years old when his larger than life father was killed, shared insightful messages and stories of his father’s life.
He reminded us that although the inauguration of Obama is a momentous historical moment it is yet a milestone on the path to his father's dream and not the dream fulfilled. Martin King III inspired us to roll up our sleeves in take part in bringing the King dream to reality.
We were treated to the many talents of youth from the DC metro area. From singing to oration, it reminded us of what the dream really is about. It's a dream that those youth who performed would receive every opportunity at success regardless of race, color, or creed. The performers included youth from the Ron Clarke Academy who became stars on YouTube for their election song written to a tune by rapper TI.
Later that night, I ran around the corner from my hotel for a bite to eat. As I made my way back, I passed the doorway of the National Press Club and saw two SUVs pull up. Suddenly, out jumped the 42nd president of the United States, President William J. Clinton. I heard myself say out loud, "Oh my God it's President Clinton."
Surprised to see him I stopped. He smiled, approached and extended his hand. I shook it and said, “Pleasure to meet you Mr. President." By then a crowd had gathered but Clinton had already vanished inside. The fact that I wanted to maintain my composure kept me from jumping up and down and screaming. But as soon as I got to my room, I called my mom, my dad, my grandma and posted it to my Facebook page.
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