The great poet, Langston Hughes, once asked, “What happens to a dream deferred?” In this poem titled, “Harlem,” he uses very interesting words to describe it. One line is, “Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?” This line then went on to inspire a great stage play with a similar message by Lorraine Hansberry. As humans we all have dreams. These dreams start when we are young. “I can remember saying I want to be this and that when I get older.” “I want to go here when I get older.” Or the one many of us have as adults, “I’m going to win the lottery.” Dreams give us purpose. It can even make us work harder in route to achieving them. The idea of knowing that we are now in a time of great unknowns is a scary thing.
The United States of America was built on the idea of liberty. Having the freedom to do what your heart desires. Having the dream to be successful to take care of yourself and your family. Now with the unknowns, will this continue to be true? I believe regulations must be set to not take away resources from the people who are struggling. To not allow the criminally negligent access to them. But, everyone deserves a chance to work on their dreams, especially if this has been the system for hundreds of years.
I identify as a Black/African American. My ancestors were kidnapped and transported here illegally. They were the free laborers that buillt America’s wealth. After slavery ended, they received a false promise of forty acres and a mule. Then they participated in many movements to get closer to achieving their dream. Today, Black/African Americans are still behind most groups in wealth after inhabiting the land for hundreds of years. I can’t complain too much, as I have been fortunate to have the support to achieve some of my dreams. But this statement does not hold true for many people who look like me.
Now, let’s go back to Hughes question. The best answer I can give is that a delayed dream never goes away. Our future days of uncertainty is just a temporary block. Let’s hold on to these dreams because the day will come where we all get to achieve them.