Students Essays: Jesse Sexton

Amphay Thiraphouth | Michael West | Dana Burns
Jesse Sexton | Aurora Lehr

A new generation believes the Dream

By Jesse Sexton
Jackson High School

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a great man in his time. However, it seems that people have forgotten who he was and what he was about. Today most people don't even see racism, and if they do it is nowhere near the extremes of Martin Luther King's time.

The only racism I have witnessed would be the opposite, for example, the black entertainment channel on TV; the fact that 90 percent of sports players are of African decent. There are now laws saying that if an African-American and a Caucasian who are equally skilled apply for a job, you hire the African American. Also, television makes it seem like you'll be cooler or have more friends if you're of African decent.

People see people for who they are - black, white, gay or straight, like Martin Luther King Jr. wanted. We learn in schools who he was, and what he did, but because of today's surroundings people don't care, but Martin Luther King Jr. died for what he believed in, he died to make the country what it is. Martin Luther King Jr. was, and to me still is, a great man who did great things.

Amphay Thiraphouth | Michael West | Dana Burns
Jesse Sexton | Aurora Lehr