My word for today was not somber.

MLK Day usually sails the somber flag for me as the nation reflects on “The Dream” and we either congratulate or condemn ourselves for the state of things in the U.S.

My spirit was all out of somber today.

I’ve exhausted the balance these past four years working to climb out of the oppressively solemn and sober mood that weighted down my spirit. I struggled to not allow the dangerous rhetoric of unhinged actors poison me against my friends and neighbors. And when I realized early this morning that my bucket was completely empty of all things somber, what I found in its place nearly knocked me out.

I found hope again.

I dared to dream of what it will feel like to walk up the stairs of the Arkansas State Capitol again without passing my civilian neighbor brandishing a firearm as though the professional law enforcement officers were not equipped to keep us all safe.

I dared to dream of a day soon when I will not feel anxious driving roads like I-22 solo, free from the fear of running across people who mean me harm as a POC woman traveling alone.

I dared to dream that my brother will one day not fear for the safety and well-being of his family should they ever return to the U.S. from living abroad to visit or live.

I dared to dream that I will one day live in a nation that truly acknowledges me as a full citizen with the permanent and constitutionally guaranteed right to vote in the country of my birth. The same land that birthed Marta (my mother) and Wilmotine (her mother) and Maggie (her mother) and Malinda (her mother) and Margaret (her mother) back to the unnamed first of our line in the “new world”.

I dared to dream this day, whispering to the future of my native land.

Remember your promise.

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Marta C. Youngblood is the founder and creative engine behind TheWRITEaddiction creatives co-op founded in 2014 as a virtual community supporting writers from all over the United States of America. Marta’s passion drives her to support the success of creatives from all walks of life to honor their talent and share it with the world. She believes that working in our creative callings does not have to be synonymous with being a “starving artist” and helps creatives master the business skills and strategies they need to work in their gifts.