Were Martin Luther King, Jr. here today, I don't doubt that he would take pride in the progress that has been made since he spoke his famous words nearly forty-seven years ago.

But would he have the satisfaction he so desired? Has his hope for 'justice rolling down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream' been fulfilled?

I can't help but think that no, it hasn't.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day has only been celebrated by all 50 states for the past ten years.

It's embarrassing, really, that one of our nation's greatest influences has only been recognized by the entire country for a single decade. There are far less important things that have been widely participated in for far longer.

Were his efforts in vain? Definitely not. The great strides our country has made are evident in many places, but I refuse to declare freedom at last.

There is still racism. There is still discrimination based on gender, religion and political affiliation and sexual orientation.

Until we loose those bonds of intolerance, until we break free from labels and hatred, a great man's dream will remain just that.

We need to embrace the diversity that surrounds us in our own cities and states with the same energy that we reach across the globe with. Respect and tolerance should not have to be brought about by tragedy.

“And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

Free at last! Free at last!

Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”