Growing up in oil-rich Ogoniland in southeastern Nigeria, I read briefly the story of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement in America. When I completed my education, I indulged in self-studies and began appreciating that there are more blacks in America than I had thought. Then, I was shocked when I arrived in the U.S. in 1999 as a political asylum seeker and encountered the suffering that befell African Americans during and after slavery.
I have always attended the January MLK march since my arrival, considering the courage, commitment and perseverance that Dr. King demonstrated in his quest to give succor and hope to the hopeless and disabled. Dr. King went through what could be considered hell on Earth at the hands of the white government of America. His struggle and death opened the way for more Africans to come to the U.S. to contribute to the “American dream.” He had one of the greatest dreams on Earth as a staunch lover of peace, true peace that is predicated on equal rights and justice.
Thank you so very much for your sacrifice. You were and still are the King of the world.
Ben Ikari
St. Louis