The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

On August 28, 1963, more than 250,000 Americans flooded into Washington D.C. During this historic political rally, a talented and bright young man delivered a speech which helped change the way Americans, both black and white, thought about each other. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke of his dream for a future where all Americans, could coexist together as equals. Even while Dr. King was subjected to unimaginable discriminatory acts, he displayed an undying belief in all Americans. He believed we had the ability to see beyond color. He believed in a "United" America, during a time when many Americans did not. He inspired not only those present on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, but also those watching from home. Dr. King's speech, his passion, his belief, has continued inspiring millions of Americans for the last 45 years. He inspired me!


Each time we hear his words of hope, his words of equality, his dream, we are reminded of a man who honestly believed that all men are created equal. Inspired by the faith displayed by Dr. King's message that "his four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character," Americans responded. Educated by Dr. King's message that "this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed," Americans responded. Guided by Dr. King's message that "1963 is not an end, but a beginning," Americans responded. We have responded with a resounding "Yes We Can!" No longer are we divided, but we have continued the dream. The dream that Dr. King had envisioned forty-five years ago. A United America... The United States of America.

Within the 44th President-Elect and former junior United States Senator from Illinois lives the same passion, strength, and eloquence displayed by Dr. King. Those men and women who fought for our freedoms, those who suffered from hatred, and those whose died struggling for equality are not forgotten, but are emboldened by today's presidential election. The success of this presidential election belongs not only to those who voted on November 4, 2008, but to those who struggled to fight, not for themselves, but for their children, for your children, for our children. They are a reminder that the belief in "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth" is as important today, as when first uttered by Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863. One hundred forty-five years later Americans rejoice as hope is brought back to every American, no matter what color, creed, or religion.



On January 20, 2009, as the dream of equality continues, Americans will once again swarm upon Washington D.C. However, this time, the political rally will be the 44th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony. Millions of Americans will unite in support of the Nation's first African American President. An event that will surely be looked upon approvingly by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He believed this day would come. He shared with us his dream that this day would come. Most importantly, he made the ultimate sacrifice. He did this so that his children could live a better life. A life with hope. A life of equality.

Thank you Barack Obama. Thank you for your passion. Thank you for providing us with new dreams. Thank you for giving us a President to believe in again. We will not let you down. We will not let each other down. We will not let those before us, who fought so hard down.
Together, we can... We can hope, we can desire, we can believe. No longer will we accept no we can't...The time is here, the time is now...Yes We Can!