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Otis L. Sanford: A 'dream' that many may not have

August 29, 2011

I'm sure everyone knows by now that today marks the 48th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.

It’s why planners originally chose today as the date for the dedication of a brilliantly sculpted memorial and statue of King on the National Mall, a stone’s throw from the Lincoln Memorial.

The dedication ceremony had to be postponed late last week because of the approach of Hurricane Irene. But it’s still worth noting that this month also marks the 45th anniversary of King’s march in Chicago for fair and equal housing.

The Chicago march through Marquette Park was met by an angry, rock-throwing mob. But King was undaunted.

The push for equal housing opportunities was one of his last major crusades. It's a crusade that's still being waged 43 years after his death.

Take, for example, the ongoing debate over proposed new rules governing residential mortgages that many believe will make it close to impossible for lower-income Americans to own a home.

Read and comment on Sanford's article about equal housing opportunities and the Qualified Residential Mortgage rule, which would require 20 percent down when buying a new home >>

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