Never Stop Dreaming

Many of us – of a certain age, that is – who grew up in the Black Baptist Church might remember having to memorize speeches for Black History Month, Easter, Mother’s Day, and other special occasions. 

I have one poem that I learned when I was 8 or 9 years old. I called it “Dream Deferred,” but it was actually Langston Hughes’ “Harlem.” The poem – which is said to have inspired the title for Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin the Sun” – has never left me. Something in me has been intrigued by the thought and impact of dreams on hold. The poem planted seeds of hope in my young soul and encouraged me to never stop dreaming.