Newburgh - Each year, the "Keeping the Dream Alive" Award Committee challenges students throughout the Greater Newburgh Area to write an essay focusing on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Two students from the 6th, 9th, and 12th grades are awarded for their interpretations of King’s struggles, achievements, dedication and how he lost his life pursuing equality, freedom, and justice for all people. This years essay topic was "Keeping the Dream Alive."
Russell Barrett, a 12th grade student in Mrs. Fleming’s class at Newburgh Free Academy, received a $250 award, a plaque, and his name engraved on a permanent wall plaque on display in the lobby at NFA for the following essay.
Keeping the Dream Alive
By Russell Barrett
Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream that one day all men and women of all races would be treated as equals. Although segregation laws no longer exist, all men and women are not treated the same. I have strived to do things to keep Martin Luther King’s dream alive.
In 2006, I visited the Martin Luther King center in Atlanta, Georgia, and saw pictures of his entire life. I reflected on how he lived his life and saw the tomb that he was buried in. Two years later I visited the Lorraine Hotel and saw the exact spot where Martin Luther King was assassinated and where Andrew Young and the Reverend Jesse Jackson stood and witnessed his assassination. Seeing this inspired me to try to live the lifestyle he believe in. I try my best to solve problems with non-violence and I try my best to treat others the way I want to be treated and also to treat everyone (black, white and all races) as
equals.
Martin Luther King Jr. believed in giving to others or treating others the way you would want to be treated. I have done community service for my city by delivering meals to the elderly. I helped with the City of Newburgh harvest festival which I participated in by helping with activities involving food and games with children and mothers who are victims of domestic violence. These acts showed that I have treated others the way I would like to be treated and have been thoughtful of those who are less fortunate than I am.
Those are some things I have done…acts in which I took part in and have performed to keep Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream alive. Martin Luther King believed that violence is never the answer and that your brain is your most powerful weapon. He also believed that all men and women should love one another. I will continue to the best of my ability to do the best to keep his dream alive.
