DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

DETROIT – “I have a dream.” Those words are synonymous with Martin Luther King Jr. and his message of racial equality first recited in Detroit. It’s a powerful speech that still brings tears to the eyes of people of all races when you think about how Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream has impacted our culture. READ: Remembering the day Martin Luther King Jr. debuted precursor to ‘I Have A Dream’ speech in DetroitIt’s even more impactful when you look at how far we’ve come as a country, especially in the eyes of children. “My grandfather had Martin Luther King here for the Freedom Walk and that was the first time that the speech was debuted at New Bethel Baptist Church,” Cristal Franklin said. If you would like to see the full video of the 2004 “I Have A Dream” speech recital, please click here.

The Oval Office of the White House is newly redecorated for the first day of President Joe Biden's administration, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington, including a bust of civil rights leader Rosa Parks. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)DETROIT – A Detroit artist’s work has been chosen to be prominently featured in President Joe Biden’s Oval Office. Related: Cesar Chavez’s son happy dad’s bust is in Biden Oval OfficeA bust of civil rights figure Rosa Parks, made by Detroiter Artis Lane, is one of the new pieces of art decorating the Oval Office. Lane said she’s honored that one of her sculptures has been included in the Oval Office. Lane’s portrait and sculpture work includes Nelson Mandela, 40th President Ronald Reagan, 45th President Barrack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama and more.

DETROIT Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. held the Walk to Freedom 57 years ago in Detroit and gave what would become the precursor to his I Have A Dream speech. MORE: Metro Detroit religious leaders fight for change in our communityOn June 23, 1963, a crowd of more than 100,000 people walked with Dr. King down Woodward Avenue. The Walk to Freedom ended at Cobo Arena, where Dr. King delivered a powerful speech -- a precursor to his famous I Have A Dream speech two months later in Washington. Part of Dr. Kings message was a dream of unity. Muirhead said she believes if he was here right now, Dr. King would be hopeful.