What Does “A Goal Set, a Goal Met” Mean for Social Change?

“A goal set, a goal met.”

These are the words of singer and activist Stevie Wonder as he took the podium at the timeless event – the dedication at the nation’s Capital to an African American civil rights leader. This six letter phrase may seem simple, but its powerful meaning cannot be suppressed. It is a rallying cry for action for the people of America and a declaration for world peace, a first of its kind memorial showcasing the life of a leader who stood for peace and nonviolence.

The dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, or Stone of Hope, was held Sunday at the National Mall in West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C. with a crowd of thousands from around the world flocking to show their support. Television viewers from around the country watched on C-Span and other channels as people took to the podium or to the stage to share their stories of perseverance, some using artistic expression and others the power of the spoken word by giving simple testimonials of hard work and overcoming life’s obstacles.

“We Shall Overcome” rang out as a solemn but heart filled unifying melody across the dedication space as Miri Ben-Ari played the song on the violin. She no doubt touched the hearts of millions in person and those who watched from the television screen. The name of the immense statute, Stone of Hope was from King’s eye-opening “I Have a Dream” speech. King died in 1968, but his legacy was one of fighting for the oppressed and marginalized and he is remembered as the “Prince of Peace.”

As the memorial dedication program progressed many individuals stood in front of the on looking enthusiastic crowd and gave speeches on the day’s significance. Actress Cicely Tyson chose to speak on the phenomenal women who helped to shape the Civil Rights Movement but not before beginning her speech giving honor to God. She said, these women suffered and risked their lives and limbs for peace. “This is the day the Lord has made…” was her unforgettable introduction. Harriett Tubman, Dorothy Height, Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King were just a few of the women she paid homage to. But Cicely Tyson did not just speak on the legacy of the above-mentioned women, but she attempted to carry on the legacy by passing the torch to a young actress named Amandla Stenburg.

Amandla Stendburg, whose name means “power” in Zulu spoke on the four Alabama girls who lost their lives at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Alabama some decades ago. She was aware that they were too young to be called women of the Civil Rights movement, but she emphasized in her speech that their lives were meaningful, and she wants to continue that legacy by having a meaningful life working for change as well.

Many youth were able to see the dedication and one East Point, Georgia teenager, Bergomy L., 17, said, “Yes, I got to watch the opening part of the dedication (on television) before I left home this morning. It was really inspiring…”

Inspirational and moving speeches for change were an integral part of the festivities. There was no cost – except to listen – to hear so many guests including activist and activist Diahann Carroll after she took the stage. At first glance, you would not believe that she lived during such a tumultuous era. She still looked great at 77 years young as she spoke to the crowd in high heeled shoes. However, all notions of anything superficial were dropped as she described the train rides she took to visit her grandmother in North Carolina. Carroll was from New York and whenever they would reach the Washington D.C. train stop, she would be asked to sit on the Colored people’s train cart.

Such requests focusing on inequality may seem absurd in this decade, but Carroll lived through the inequities of that era. She couldn’t help but mention her serious talks about civil rights with Martin Luther King, Jr. She even left those of us who watched her from our living rooms with a little gem, something her grandmother used to say. “Even Moses didn’t make it to the Promised Land, but he showed them the way.” Martin Luther King, Jr. was our Moses… He showed us the way.”

A local librarian who wished to remain unidentified from Atlanta said, “I believe in his dream because when I first heard those words they were so powerful… Even today, I feel good about myself-He had the foresight to look at today. It has come true. It is attainable and possible.”

There are leaders and activists still on the battlefield for change including the Rev. Al Sharpton. Sharpton exclaimed to those in the crowd and those viewing from afar that this was not a monument of times past. There is still a need for a fight for social justice including speaking out against cuts to Social Security and Medicare for the nation’s seniors.

Edward Landrum, a pastor and student at the Interdenominational Theological Center of Atlanta said, “Our youth can look at the monument and decide that they may want to be the one that sounds the trumpet against injustice and for social change. It may cause our youth to want to speak out and the concerned about the Troy Davis’s in this country and there are many.”

Skip Mason, the current president of the fraternity and Harry Johnson, Sr., the president and CEO of the Martin Luther King National Memorial Foundation and former National President of the oldest African American fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha both spoke at the dedication. Johnson recalled how August 28 (the initial date of the unveiling) was a dark day for him because the first memorial dedication had to be downsized and rescheduled due to the earthquake in Washington, D.C. and Hurricane Irene. Johnson spoke on the importance of the memorial dedication as a legacy and introduced President Barack Obama to an eager and enthusiastic audience who had traveled from near and afar to listen to dignitaries declaring “hope” as an essential part of the dedication ceremony.

President Obama mentioned that the memorial was not for Martin Luther King, Jr. only, but for a whole generation of leaders. It is a monument for the collective to celebrate Dr. King’s dream and vision. Obama took care to mention that progress did not come easy. It took 13 years of fundraising before the statute was unveiled. Members of the King family were present including the Rev. Bernice King of Atlanta.

This was a priceless event that will remain forever in the hearts of Americans. It was an occasion that speakers used to remember the girls in Alabama, those who suffered prior and during the Civil Rights Movement (both men and women), and gave credence to those who are still on the battlefield for social justice today.

Prior to the dedication, there were protests against Wall Street in New York; demonstrators rallying against corporate greed in Washington, D.C. and Occupy Atlanta Protestors facing arrest and eviction from a local downtown area park, Woodruff Park, for civil disobedience and blocking a major thoroughfare, Peachtree Street a few days ago.

In the face of discontent in this country, Obama said King saw what America might become. “I know we will overcome… because of Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Obama. “Let us keep striving and climbing.”

Mahatma Gandhi said, “When I despair, I remember that all through history, the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it -always.”

Gandhi and Wonder both gave words of hope to audiences wanting to achieve equality. May

Wonder’s words continue to ring like a harmonious bell with single note, “A goal set, a goal met.”

Della Spearman is a seminarian and Master Gardener.


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