At Last
While visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta, I came across this souvenir cart. It caught my attention because it reminded me of the souvenir stands where I had purchased postcards of the sites and monuments I visited as a child. This particular souvenir stand was situated next to the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the church where Dr. King served as pastor with his father, “Daddy King”, from 1960 until his death in 1968. When I asked Tremaine, the attendant at the souvenir stand, if I could photograph him in front of the cart, he asked if he could grab something from inside. He came out holding this poster of President Obama with his wife, Michelle, at the presidential inaugural celebration in 2009. As I was preparing this image for posting, segments of Dr. King’s I Have A Dream speech ran through my head. This photograph of the president and his wife at the inaugural ball represent the realization of Dr. Kings dream almost fifty years after he stood at the Lincoln Memorial and proclaimed:.
…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.
Beate Sass 
Hi Beate….Yes, and the dream lives on and hopefully will be a “true” reality someday.
I went to the DeKalb farmers market yesterday with 2 of my friends. We passed some interesting streets in that area…worth a photo and observation from you. A.Hildy
Your post was very touching. Although we as a society have come so far, I personally believe we still have a long way to go… In regards to the photo, I liked the way you were able to capture your reflection on the glass. Very cool touch!
Thanks Debora.The MLK Jr. National Historic Site is a must see for any one who wants some greater insights into the civil rights movement here in Atlanta and the South. Although the focus is on MLK’s life, credit is given to all the other men,women and children who fought for equal rights alongside MLK and after his death.
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!! Margarita
Thanks Margarita. My visit to MLK’s birth home and the neighborhood in which he grew up in was very moving.
Thanks Beate for sharing ! Your photos are beautiful and very moving.
Thank you Daisy. It is my pleasure to share my experiences and introduce you to all the wonderful people I meet.
Dear Beate,
I love all of your photos/stories! You make such a personal and intimate connection with the many aspects of your new community. This one is particularly touching as I am working hard to help reelect our President. The pride this young man shows in holding their picture is very heartwarming! Thank you so much for taking the time and sharing your creativity and passion with all of us!! Hope to get to visit you in your new home town!