"I AM THE DREAM"
By Dr. Tim Westley
January 20, 2025
On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Over 250,000 people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial that day, united by a vision of equality and justice that still inspires generations.
Today, in San Antonio, Texas, we honor Dr. King’s legacy with one of the nation’s largest MLK Jr. Day marches, drawing over 300,000 participants annually. This celebration of unity and equality is deeply personal to me, as I have proudly walked alongside thousands to keep his dream alive.
Dr. King declared, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” San Antonio, though not perfect, has been a fertile ground for dreams, allowing my family and me to thrive in a community where character often shines brighter than color.
Nearly 30 years ago, I arrived in San Antonio as an enlisted soldier at Ft. Sam Houston, newly married with two young children. Transitioning out of the military without a degree or job, my family faced significant challenges. Yet, we leaned on faith and dared to dream. As Dr. King said, “With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.” That hope carried us through.
Through determination and hard work, I earned four degrees, raised my children, and served this community as a teacher, pastor, postal carrier, author, and more. Every step of my journey reflects the boundless possibilities of a dream fulfilled. I stand today as proof of Dr. King’s vision, declaring with pride: I AM THE DREAM.
Dr. King’s dream was about more than racial equality; it was about unity and shared purpose. He envisioned a world where people of all backgrounds could join hands as equals. Today, as a Black man, Protestant minister, and community leader supported by a diverse coalition, I embody that unity. My campaign for Mayor of San Antonio is not about race—it is about character, vision, and the drive to build a brighter future for all.
San Antonio’s vibrant diversity, with its rich tapestry of cultures and histories, mirrors Dr. King’s dream. Our demographics—65% Hispanic or Latino, 23% White (Non-Hispanic), 7% Black or African American, and more—reflect the beauty of unity in diversity. It is fitting that in this city, I fight to lead, honoring Dr. King’s legacy in a way no other city in America does.
The journey to this moment has not been easy, but it has been worth it. From humble beginnings to achieving milestones, I once only dreamed of, my life is proof that Dr. King’s dream is alive and well. I have given countless speeches to galvanize San Antonians, Texans, and Americans to protect the rights and freedoms Dr. King fought to secure. I am committed to continuing that fight, ensuring that our shared dream of equality and opportunity becomes a reality for future generations.
San Antonio’s MLK March is more than an event; it is a testament to the enduring power of dreams. As I stand here today, I proclaim with pride and humility: I AM THE DREAM. No matter the outcome of this journey, I remain committed to the vision Dr. King shared over six decades ago. Together, we can make his dream a reality in San Antonio and beyond.
Dr. Tim Westley