Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. At the 50th anniversary March on Washington civil rights leaders and public officials speaking to commemorate the event highlighted the struggles for equality that all minorities and marginalized people, including the LGBT community, still face.
One of the main organizers of the event, Martin Luther King Jr. III, said that "Yes, we all need to love each other, black and white, old and young, red and brown, gay and straight, Christian, Muslim and Jew and all of God’s children loving one another,"
At the event Attorney General Eric Holder spoke about the LGBT community. He stated "As we gather today, 50 years later, their march – now our march – goes on," Holder told the rally at the Lincoln Memorial. "And our focus has broadened to include the cause of women, Latinos, of Asian Americans, of lesbians, of gays, of people with disabilities, and of countless others across the country who still yearn for equality, opportunity, and fair treatment."
Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) also spoke at the event. "It doesn’t matter if we are straight or gay," he said. "We are all one people."
Mayor of Newark, NJ Cory Booker posited that "We must stand until we live in a nation where it doesn’t matter who you love and we don’t have second class citizenship for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters."
"When they say no, you can’t have the Dream Act, no you can’t have marriage equality, no you can’t abolish the death penalty, no you can’t expand voting rights in any state south of the Mason-Dixon, we say – yes we can!" stated Ben Jealous, of the NAACP.
President Obama today stated that "courage comes when an interracial couple connects to a gay couple who has been discriminated against, and understands it as their own. That’s where courage comes from—when we turn not from each other or on each other but towards each other.” To dismiss the magnitude of this progress…dishonors the courage and the sacrifice of those who paid the price to march."
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s original "I Have a Dream" Speech given on August 28th, 1963:
In a similar vein to the speakers at the 50th anniversary March on Washington events, NBC News has created an impressive round up of notable figures from around the world commenting on what their dreams for the world include. Many of the responses they received highlighted equality treatment for LGBT people. GLAAD's own Wilson Cruz was asked to submit. His and other's dreams for a world of LGBT inclusion and an end to bullying have been highlighted below.
Wilson Cruz has a dream that all people will be recognized and treated as integral members of the human fabric regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and espression.
Jenna Bush Hager has a dream of a day when all students, no matter their neighborhood, race, sexuality, or gender will have access to an excellent education.
Tony Robbins has a dream of a day when race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation no longer divide us.
Meredith Viera has a dream of a day when there's no more bullying.
Harvey Fierstein has a dream of a day when all children will be cared for as our children.
Cate Edwards has a dream of a day when we can all equally respect and value one another despite race, religion, sexual orientation, appearance, health, and wealth.
Olivia Culpo has a dream of a world without discrimination.
One Direction has a dream of a world of peace, without hunger or bullying.
Dr. Robert Baker has a dream of a world were all Americans will be able to vote, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or immigration status.
Aly Raisman has a dream of a day when kids feel safe at school, with no bullying or violence.
I have a dream that no one will ever be bullied and live in peace :) #dreamday
— Christine McAlvey (@babygirl39_) August 27, 2013
I have a dream that all people will be treated with respect. No matter color, religion, sexual preference & political views. #dreamday
— Veronica Garcia (@Vero0725) August 28, 2013
I have a dream that one day we will not vilify each other over faith; who we love; or the color of our skin #dreamday#MLK
— Fareha Ahmed Taylor (@fareha) August 28, 2013
I have a dream that my daughter can grow up in a #bully free society #DREAMDAY. We all can make a difference!
— Chad A Rose (@DrChadRose) August 27, 2013
I have a dream that one day all love will be treated Equally and there will be an end to bullying #dreamday#equality#samelove
— вɾєє (@PeaceLoveUnify) August 26, 2013
I have a dream that one day we will respect one another no matter what differences there are between us #dreamday
— Robert Richardson (@NYcanes) August 25, 2013
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." Martin Luther King, Jr. #DreamDay.
— Ann Curry (@AnnCurry) August 28, 2013
I have a dream that I will someday be able to marry the love of my life, no matter where we live. #Equal#DreamDayhttp://t.co/rSkzpzC2kQ"
— Brandon R. Huckaby (@BrandonTn10) August 23, 2013
For these and more "I Have a Dream" statements please visit http://www.nbcnews.com/dreamday.
Eliza Byard of GLSEN, speaking at the March on Washington's 50th Anniversary.
Alan Van Capelle, former executive director of New York's Empire State Pride Agenda, speaking at the March on Washington's 50th Anniversary.