By Megan Cynaumon
Dear Avery,
Growing up, I did boat loads of reports on everything from California earthquakes to the origins of my family hertiage. While, I loved learning about most of that, I always had more interest in researching and writing about influential people throughout history. Three figures stand out to me, that even at the age of 8, I was in complete awe of. They are: Joan of Arc, Anne Frank, and Martin Luther King Jr. These three shared many things in common. Their bravery, courage, and overwhelming power of love outshined in the darkest of their days.
Today, I witnessed, President Barack Obama get sworn in for the 2nd time as the 44th President of the United States on Martin Luther King Jr. day (of all days). It was pure magic. While he spoke to a sea of people on Capital Hill, it immediately took me back to my 8 year old self, drawing MLK speaking in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. I remember drawing hundreds of different color faces in the crowd. I remember feeling a spark in my chest when I read: “I have a dream that my 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.” As a young child, I know that didn’t quite understand the importance of this, but I FELT it.
While watching the Presidental Inauguration, I was completely moved. Not only did he speak about equality, but he embodied it. The whole time I was wondering what Martin Luther King Jr.’s reaction would be to an Afrian-American President elected for a 2nd term!
Would he cry? Would be stunned? Would he be freed? Granted the first term was epic beyond belief, but I think it says even more about this great nation that we elected him again. All politics aside, we really have come a long way. And I’m proud that the very first President I voted was for a greater good (obviously and most importantly, I agree with his political views).
The topic of equality has always been a controversal issue, and perhaps it always will be. Which is sad to me. People are people. We all deserve to have equal rights. I hope that when you are old enough to understand, that the world will keep evolving into a more open minded place. Where we can love and respect our neighbors just the way Dr. King told us to regardless of age, sexual preference, religion or race.God made us the way we are for a reason, and let’s respect that. Let us always show love towards one another.
So here’s to changing the world with love. Here’s to watching people adapt to change. Here’s to a new world view.
With love,
Aunt Megs
With Love, Aunt Megs 