August 28, 2014

Every great dream, begins with a dreamer...


One of the MANY blessings I received this summer is the fact that our cash reserves were siphoned into two weddings.  Granted, not your USUAL "blessing".  Which meant our vacay plans were more low- key cheaper than usual.  In fact,  vacays all revolved around Thing #3 and her quest to find that elusive perfect college.  A blessing because it forced us to visit some of those places we sometimes take for granted because they are just too darn close and often overlooked.  Case in point, Washington, D.C.  Our nation's capital.  More importantly...where I was born, boo-yah! Pops was a D.C. police officer. The madre' a Congressional secretary.  A mere three hour car drive and I can't even tell ya the last time I was there. Reeeeaaaallllly STUPID 'cause I love that city!

August 28, 1963.  Amazing how life was so different back then.  Yet in some ways...still the same.  On this date, fifty-one years ago, on the steps of this building...



"Simple Lines"
Lincoln Memorial
Washington, D.C.



"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."

-Martin Luther King, Jr.




"Soaring"
Lincoln Memorial
Washington, D.C.



...a defining moment in America's Civil Rights Movement happened.  August 28, 1963.  A time when more than two-thirds of African-Americans lacked the right to vote, attend integrated schools, or use the same public facilities as whites.  My lifetime.  When I entered public school in Philly, my school building WAS integrated.  But the classrooms were NOT.  Our only interaction was at recess on the blacktop.  I would sit there on the curb, with my other white classmates, staring in wonder at those OTHER first grade girls as they effortlessly double-dutched on the pavement. Sitting so close.  Yet worlds apart.  Even as a first-grader I was keenly aware of the divide.  I fear altho some things have bettered themselves, others have not.


"Every great dream begins with a dreamer.
Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion
to reach for the stars to change the world."

-Harriet Tubman




"I Have a Dream"
Lincoln Memorial
Washington, D.C.



Fifty-one years ago to the date, my Pops stood somewhere in the crowd of 250,000 Civil Rights supporters crammed onto the National Mall as they looked to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for inspiration.  Pops was on duty as a District of Columbia police officer that day.  When you live in D.C., oft time you have ring-side seats to history in the making.  You just don't know it at the time.






"A dream doesn't become reality through magic;
it takes sweat, determination and hard work."

-Colin Powell




"Looking Forward"
Lincoln Memorial
Washington, D.E.



"Hold fast to dreams,
for if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird,
that can not fly."

-Langston Hughes





"The Great Emancipator"
Lincoln Memorial
Washington, D.C.


"You may say I'm a dreamer,
but I'm not the only one.
I hope someday you'll join us.
And the world will live as one."

-John Lennon


Sometimes you have to go back to your roots to remind yourself how far you've come.  And how much further you still need to go.  Dreams that are dreamt of together are what form realities.  Some dreams are just meant to be shared.  All it takes is that first dreamer.







Here's where I "link up" today.


(click on image for description of Song-ography)
Tuesday's Song-ography title is "High" by Young Rising Sons.
Come back and link up!



23 comments:

  1. Brilliant reflection Kath. Love the perspective on those columns.

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  2. Brings back very good memories.

    Greetings,
    Filip

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  3. This is simply fabulous - love the photos and the quotes!

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  4. The second picture. AMAZING!!

    I explored the monuments at night a bunch during college - highly recommend!

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  5. What a beautiful post and a brilliant homage to the day!!

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  6. This is so inspiring! Great combination of photos and quotes. I love the third one with "I have a dream" in the pavement in the foreground and the whole mall beyond like a painting - just gorgeous!!

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  7. You really shine in this kind of photography! Love to see your out and abouts. I've sadly never visited DC. It seems a shame, and I hope to remedy that one day.

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  8. This is a pretty, darn' inspiring post, Kathy. And your pictures are simply beautiful. They remind why it is that I.want.to.visit. D.C.! Thank you.

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  9. Wow these photos are amazing. We just went to DC too and loved it!

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  10. I had no idea you were born in D.C. - your photos are fantastic. I'm embarrassed that I live so close to D.C. and hardly ever go...after 28 years here, we're so burnt out on the horrendous gridlock on 95 that we rarely go downtown!

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  11. I so love your view of the capital and that you shared them as well as some history to boot. I agree sometimes we don't appreciate what is right under our noses.

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  12. A wonderful tour for a Brit who probably never visit your beautiful capital, thanks for showing me around.

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  13. Wow, I didn't realize that the schools were integrated but the classrooms were not. My favorite photo is the one of the Washington Memorial in the distance and the "I have a dream" inscription in the foreground.

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  14. Gorgeous shots kathy! Of all the traveling that i have done, this is one place I have never been before. You have inspired me!

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  15. Great place and black white captures , greeting from Belgium
    http://louisette.eklablog.com

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  16. Sounds and looks like money well spent.

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  17. I lived close to DC, then after college, even closer (Alexandria, Va) - it is a beautiful place despite having such a high crime rate and being filled with politicians. Your pictures and words and quotes are brilliant as always.

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  18. I was there yesterday and took some of the same shots!!!!!!

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  19. your perspective on these photos is fantastic - really creates some drama

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  20. Magnificent captures, of a beautiful city. I visited Washington D.C. in 2005 and was blown away by it. Thanks for linking up with Friday My Town Shoot Out!

    Mersad
    Mersad Donko Photography

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  21. Fantastic presentation...Enjoy your Labor Day♪ http://lauriekazmierczak.com/ready-room/

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  22. I brought my children here and it was fabulous.

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  23. wow! need I say more? awesomely perfect.

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