COLUMNS

Naomi Law: Martin Luther King, Jr. and Carl Sandburg both dreamers

Galesburg Register-Mail
Naomi Law

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Carl Sandburg were both dreamers. On Monday, Jan. 17 and throughout January, Dr. King will be honored and recognized. Let’s take this time to also study the life of Carl Sandburg and look for comparisons between the two men.

Almost everyone is aware of basic information regarding Dr. King. Many Americans  are familiar with his “I Have A Dream” speech.

Atlanta visitors have possibly seen the King home and Ebenezer Baptist Church. Both locations have impressive documentation of his life’s work. His world-wide influence has far surpassed his early dreams.

A Galesburg school was officially re-named after Dr. King in 2014. The building is beautifully decorated with murals, quotations and other King  reminders. The 1018 E. Farnham St. location is worth visiting. 

A local source of international pride is historian and author, Carl Sandburg. His Galesburg connection is widely recognized.

Sandburg and King have several things in common. To begin with, they were both born in January. Dr. King on Jan. 15, 1929, and Mr. Sandburg on Jan. 6, 1878. Perhaps, January being the first month is the time for dreams to begin. Both men were dreamers.  

In written and spoken words, they emphasize the value of having dreams. One of Sandburg’s best known  quotes is “Nothing happens unless first a dream.” That’s a line in his poem, “Washington Monuments By Night.”

What a dreamer, he must have been. Born in Galesburg, Sandburg became a nationally known poet, historian, musician and author. Both King and Sandburg had dreams that have and will continue to inspire generations.

Sandburg’s four volume Pulitzer Prize winning books were about Abraham Lincoln. The life of “The Great Emancipator” is well documented in  Carl Sandburg’s work.

In 1919, Sandburg was a reporter for the Chicago Daily News. While there, he wrote a series of articles about racial relationships and race riots. His book, “The Chicago Race Riots” is still significant as we struggle to understand the true history of our diverse nation. King and Sandburg would have agreed that “America was built by common folks of all races, religions and ethnicities.”.

On this Martin Luther King Day, we can honor Dr. King and Carl Sandburg. By researching them, we might also discover our own concerns and dreams.   

A journey through Galesburg can include a study of Mr. Sandburg. Begin with a visit to the public square on Main St. Take a closer look at the imposing nine foot Sandburg statue. Select your favorite quotes from those surrounding the figure.

Then take a trip to Carl Sandburg College. It is located at 2400 Tom Wilson Blvd. 

Sandburg College was established in 1966. It is not only a beautiful facility but is a tribute to the community. A bronze bust, commissioned by Sandburg himself, is prominently on display. This is only one of many things to see by touring the buildings, patio, and lake. 

The college embraces people with goals and vision. It is a haven for dreams and dreamers. Sandburg would be pleased.

The tour is not complete without a visit to the Sandburg State Historic Site at 313 E. 3rd St. This gem is a national tourist attraction.  

The site includes the Carl Sandburg birthplace. While there, you can view an informative video and impressive  display. The grounds are lovely and the barn, behind the museum, is a perfect place to enjoy performances. It is a great spot to relive Rootabaga Stories. Remembrance Rock is a monument to Carl and his wife “Paula.” 

To learn more about the Sandburg Site Association go to www.sandburg.org., call 309-342-2361 or write to P.O. Box 585, Galesburg, IL. 61402.

Sandburg and King were dreamers who knew the value of having a vision. We are very fortunate to have opportunities to learn from each of them.

Mr. Sandburg was repeatedly recognized as a gifted writer and performer. Among numerous honors, he became the first white recipient of the NAACP’s Silver Plaque Award. He received this recognition in response to his “unwavering support of civil rights.” This can be compared to when Dr. King became the second African American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Imagine hearing Carl Sandburg saying "We must have a dream," Dr. King’s response being "We do have a dream."  

The local MLK, Jr. committee is sponsoring an 8 a.m. virtual breakfast on Monday, Jan. 17. DeVone Eurales is the speaker and essay winners will be recognized. The committee will provide zoom information.

Thank you to Rex Cherrington, Mike Hobbs, Anthony Law, and Dr. Rubi (Moss) Porter for early perspectives on this article. It is better because of your input. I am forever grateful to those who support dreams and journeys.  Dream on, my friends!

Naomi Law is a retired educator and administrator.  She is the author of “The Adventures of Orie the Orpheum Mouse” and a community volunteer.