I will never forget August, 1963 when Dr. King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. I was nine years old at the time and living in Texas. Sorting out issues of racism, segregation, and discrimination can be difficult at any age, let alone at nine years.

I recall that some in my community were afraid of Dr. King and the civil rights movement. These fears were manifested in a number of ways, but the most vivid fear of my recollection was that of black people claiming the freedom that is the birthright of all Americans.

And I am particularly grateful for the seed that was planted in my heart by Dr. King back in 1963. This seed has blossomed, eventually overshadowing the fear and ignorance that I was exposed to in my formative years.

Some of those same fears persist today. There is still an aversion to discussing issues of racism and discrimination, to say that it's someone else's problem. I can understand the tendency to shy away from such issues; they are ugly and unpleasant. But how can we as individuals and a nation ever resolve these issues by denying the history of racism and discrimination that is, unfortunately, part of our heritage and continues today?

Dr. King was a complex man, and dealt with a wide range of issues, including the condition of the poor to opposition of the war in Vietnam. But what truly amazes me, even today, is that he loved his enemies, not that he condoned their behavior or was passive in his opposition towards them, but that he could see the humanity in all people. I suppose loving one's enemies sounds naive today, but I hold that concept to be valid nonetheless.

I am glad that we can come together and celebrate Dr. King. He struck a course of freedom, both for the oppressed and the oppressor, that was long overdue.

The night before he was killed, Dr. King spoke at a rally in Memphis, Tennessee, saying that he had "been to the mountain top." I hope he knew that he did not go alone.