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[FONT=Garamond][SIZE=6]”I have a dream.”[/SIZE][/FONT]
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As we all know, Martin Luther King, Jr. changed the world with his efforts during the Civil Rights Movement.
Not only did he aspire blacks to stand up for themselves, but he made it able for people to follow their dreams.
Here are some African-American players and recruits that are living their dream of playing the game of basketball and telling what Martin Luther King, Jr. means to them.
[B]Name[/B] (Class, School, State,)
[B]Trey Dickerson [/B](’12, Montclair Prep, Cal.): “Martin Luther King Day means a lot to me and it shows a lot of respect for someone who risked their life for us to have freedom. It also allows me to play basketball with all type of different kids whose backgrounds are different.”
[B]Gemaal Davis[/B] (’13, Holy Cross, New York): “Martin Luther King Day means a lot to me as a player because I know what he has done for his people. Everything he went through to gain his rights give me motivation as a player to believe in myself and believe anything is possible.”
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Jabril Trawick [/B](’11, Abington Friends, Penn.): “Martin Luther King Day is more important to me as a person rather than a player, and I say this because I grew up doing millions of presentations and events based on MLK and the things he did for not only blacks, but white people as well. On this day, I think it makes me proud and appreciative of what he did because he opened many for me, believe it or not. No one would know how things would be without the Civil Rights Movement that he helped lead – so I always want to make sure I show my appreciation by some type of service. ”
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Archie Goodwin[/B] (’12, Sylvania Hills, Ark.): “Martin Luther King Day means a lot to me. Even though I wasn’t around when he was, the history about a man like him is something to cherish forever. He has opened so many doors for people today and I will always respect what what he has done for my race and the country as a whole.”
[B]Amonte Dees[/B] (’12, Montclair Prep, Cal.): “Martin Luther King, Jr. means a lot to me as a person and player. He fought for blacks’ rights without using violence, and I think without him as a black leader, blacks would not have the rights they do today. I really appreciate everything he did, and I am thankful for his day.”
[B]Rasheed Sulaimon[/B] (’12, Strake Jesuit Prep, Tex.): “Martin Luther King, Jr. was a great inspiration not only in the Civil Rights Movement, but he inspired all people of all races, shapes, and sizes to fight for what they believe in. He showed courage and determination, and, in the end, he got what he dreamed of, even though he wasn’t there to witness it. Personally, he taught me so much and his dream lives on even to this very day.”
[B]Eric Dowdell[/B] (’10, Opelika, Ala.): “I think Martin Luther King Day means not to just recognize African Americans, but to recognize all races because we all have the same rights and are treated equally. A lot of teams have different races on their team, so I feel it represents how we can all use each other to accomplish our goals and make each other better.
[B]Andre Applewhite[/B] (’12, Central, Tenn.): “Martin Luther King Day is a day of reflection of how one man’s dream impacted the world. It taught me that all people can come together. His dream made me realize that my dreams can become a reality. Anything is possible.”
[B]Neville Fincher[/B] (’12, Teaneck, New Jersey): “I think it symbolizes and salutes a great man for what he’s done for our generation. I think if we followed the messages he tried to instill in us, we would be better off as people. He would probably be disappointed in us if he was alive, though.”
[B]Rodney Purvis[/B] (’12, Upper Room Christian, North Carolina, Committed to Louisville): “In my opinion, Martin Luther King Day is the most historic day in my life. If you have done research on Martin Luther King, Jr., you know why. He deserves more than just a day, he CHANGED things for us. He’s gone, but he will NEVER be forgotten!”
[B]Kelvin Amayo[/B] (’11, NIA Prep, New Jersey): “Martin Luther King means everything to me. First of all, I am an African American; Second of all, he fought for a dream that he had, and it ended up working for the whole world. That’s why I have a dream today.”
[B]Levi Randolph[/B] (’11, Bob Jones, Ala., Signed with Alabama): “Martin Luther King once said, ‘the quality, not longevity, of one’s life is what is important.’ This is a great quote, and I relate this to my game. It’s not how many minutes you play in a game, but the quality of the minutes that you give your team to help achieve the one common goal: winning.”
[B]Brandon Baker[/B] (’12, Dorsey, Cal.): “Martin Luther King Day from an African-American and from an athlete standpoint is really motivating and inspiring. Seeing how he was one of the main reasons why I am able to play this game and to be able get the respect from all nationalities that I receive is a blessing.”
[B]Pierre Hayden[/B] (’11, Skyline, Tex.): “Martin Luther King Day means a lot. It’s a big day in the world and it symbolizes how far we have come since King. He has paved the way for African-Americans to do anything they want and has made the world a better place.”
[B]Nerlens Noel[/B] (’13, The Tilton, Mass.): “As a player, Martin Luther King Day means a lot to me because that was a big step for African-Americans in society to be seen as equals. It just opens many opportunities for a young, black athlete like myself to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.”
[B]L.J. Rose[/B] (’12, Second Baptist, Tex.): “Martin Luther King Day is a day in which we honor in my opinion the best leader our country has ever seen. With his courage, he helped all of us progress in many aspects of life.”
[B]Isaiah Austin[/B] (’12, Grace Prep Academy, Tex., Committed to Baylor): “Martin Luther King Day means a lot to me because I am a black American. If it wasn’t for him, none of the great black athletes we watch on TV would be where they are today. He showed everyone that we can live together and still have great lives.”
Great responses!
What does Martin Luther King, Jr. mean to you?
Let us know!
Follow Garrett Tucker on Twitter [URL=”http://twitter.com/GTuckersports”]@GTuckersports[/URL] for more info on Kentucky and basketball recruiting.
