Through July 4, a collaboration between the Post and the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream showcases American citizens sharing their views on what the American Dream means in 2026. Martin Luther King III, son of the renowned civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., hails from Georgia.
For me, the American dream is all about wiping out poverty, racism, and violence from our nation.
As the chairman of the Drum Major Institute, an organization established by my father along with some of his associates back in the 1960s, our current mission is to challenge the three great evils: poverty, racism, and violence. My father was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Had he lived, I believe we would have taken a significantly different path as a country, and many of his dreams would’ve been closer to reality by now.
He would likely continue to emphasize non-violence, especially with today’s global uncertainties. His message was quite clear, yet it seems we’ve not fully embraced the principle of nonviolence.
I really think we’ve only begun to realize our potential. Sure, there are individuals excelling, but as a society, we haven’t done enough.
The American Dream should encompass the opportunity for everyone to reach their aspirations. It should also include freedom, justice, and equality for everyone. Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go.
We’ve made strides and achieved some progress, but in many respects, we still fall short of my father’s vision of the American Dream for individuals.
Knowledge is key. We need more entrepreneurs, but they can’t thrive without financial support. Education plays a vital role in this, yet we often overlook that without health, nothing else really matters.
This American Dream Video Project highlights genuine stories that reveal the journey toward opportunity. It’s part of the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream’s initiative, celebrating 250 years of America. The center serves as a new cultural hub in Washington, DC, with interactive exhibits and narratives about fulfilling the American dream. For further information, please visit: mcaad.org.
