What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore – and then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over – like syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?
-Langston Hughes

What if Mahalia Jackson did not tell Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to tell them about the dream as they stood at the Mall in Washington, D.C.? How would this have impacted change in the United States of America? Dreams come to most that sleep, or even use that side of their brain that allows us to imagine. There are opportunities available like no other time in existence, because of advancements in technology, science, reasoning, and so on and so on.

Truthfully, dreams are the gateway to being the change. Thinking out of the box, or reimagining the purpose of something as simple as a butter knife, as it could be used to unscrew, pop a lock, create an edge and among many other things depending on the present need. Our community is no different. It is a canvas awaiting to be redefined.

There is an excitement and expectation that is currently being generated when Gary, Indiana is discussed. Investment dollars are flowing in hopes of the great “comeback.” The question is, what it will look like, and who will be a part of this success story?

Let me tell you about a dream and the boldness of the dream. The story is about a girl born in Gary, raised in Gary, educated in Gary, that was further inspired by Gary, to go away to experience the world, only to return to Gary to dream bigger dreams because of the greatness she saw in the world. The lack of what is not seen in Gary did not stop the dream, but only birthed a bigger push for change. Amidst opposition and naysayers, she was met with an abundance of people who applauded her efforts through their showing up, supporting, and providing encouragement in many possible ways. Her dreams continued to evolve and grow bigger, not affording her the chance to turn back or give up. That girl is me, the one willing to dream and be tenacious enough to see it through. Trust that it is not just me pushing for change, but the many that came before, travel alongside of me now, and the fortitude of those to come. The road is not easy for the faint at heart or faithless, but it is a job to dream, have faith, and work until it is so, while training others to continue in love, power, and purpose, as we continue to build.

Joslyn RW Kelly