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Por Lisa Bertagnoli

Watching coverage of the 50th Anniversary Dr. King’s, “I have a dream speech” brought a flood of memories and reflection. I was 6 years old when Dr. King gave that speech. I was a long way from DC and a long way from understanding the significance of Dr. King’s speech. In 1963 I think I knew two African Americans and one Hispanic boy in school, my world was pretty homogenized. I did have some grasp of diversity because my folks were from Germany and my dad was the coach of a local soccer team. Through the team I met many families from all over Europe, Central and South America, Asia and Africa. On the weekends the team would gather to play the international game. Following the game the families would picnic together and share the common joy of the game and a few beers. Then we would retreat to our neighborhoods. Mine was mostly white and working middle class. The march on Washington did not become real for me until I grew older. The speech is seen as a moment that has shaped modern America; I know it shaped me even if I didn’t realize it at the time. I was always a dreamer and to this day believe in dreams. I think that’s what dreams are meant to do-- take us places.

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