by John Reid, Editor

The third Monday of each January is established to celebrate the life of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his leadership and service in leading black America through the civil rights movement, resulting in both the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. Throughout the country there are numerous events to commemorate his vision of racial unity, and locally there is the city’s preeminent event in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Competition at Cecil D. Hylton Memorial Chapel, taking place in Woodbridge. It is put on every year during the holiday as adolescent orators from public schools throughout Prince William County speak on the dream and issues that impact generations both past and future. There were several incredible speeches that really struck a chord to the heart of an America desperate for unity and growth, but none more so than Potomac High School’s Zion Fozo, who spoke out against the unfairness of the 13^th Amendment being nothing more than a system for private prisons to profit from the incarceration of minorities.

However, it was not just the speeches that were the highlight of the day. As I walked through the halls of the chapel, I could see vendors from every industry within the city limits. Whether it was the Prince William NAACP or the Human Rights Commission, there was such a representation of organizations who focused on advancing the causes of minorities. Among meeting with business owners and fraternities, no other moment has as much impact as meeting with Bob Fields, who has lived in the Dale City/Lake Ridge area since 1970.

Mr. Fields shared his story of how he has seen Woodbridge transition from a quiet town with only a few roads to a city where there are new housing developments wherever he goes. He also spoke on how Prince William County would not be where it is today without the contributions of black people in businesses and education. In addition, he shared about how the election of former President Barack Obama in 2008 was the cumulation of civil rights progress, and a penultimate victory throughout the decades of struggle to get to that point. When I asked him about how he saw the current state of black America, and he stated that it was a ‘cavity that came from the top of government.’

I learned a lot from talking with Mr. Fields, and on a day where the future leaders of America were letting their voices be heard among the masses, it was the soft, quiet demeanor of a man who has lived through several years that had the greatest effect. It was further proof that the dream of Dr. King continues to live through generations both past and present.