As we closed the Stone Soup Leadership Institute’s event honoring the 35th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech in 1998, I leaned over to tell U.S. Congressman John Lewis, “We’re going to sing We Shall Overcome.” He stood straight up, crossed his arms in front of him, and declared, “This is how Martin taught us to sing it.” It was such an honor to stand alongside this legend, singing this Civil Rights anthem, and feeling the power flowing from his hand to mine. His speech at that event still resonates: “Don’t give up,” he said. “Don’t become bitter. Don’t get lost in a sea of despair. Keep the faith. Keep your eyes on the prize. Hold onto your dreams. Walk with the wind. Let the spirit of history be your guide.”
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