Has MLK's "dream" been realized?

The education condition of African Americans and other minorities has gotten better since King's powerful speech. Since 1980, the School Enrollment Rate of African Americans ages 3 to 34 has increased by 6.5%, the percentage of African Americans who graduate from high school has risen by 29.4%, and the percentage of Hispanics who graduate from high school has risen by 14.4%. Many people would say it is safe to believe that the status of minority education has indeed risen.

However, there is still a gap between whites and minorties in the education system. Today, 5.2% more of the white population of America graduates from high school than the black population. 2.6% more African Americans drop out of high school than whites, and 16.8% percent more Hispanics drop out. The education status may have risen, but minority and white populations are still not equal when it comes to education.

The education gap can be shortened by encouraging minorities to stay in school and approving Affirmative Action. If minorities stay in school longer, the possibility of obtaining a better job will increase. By approving Affirmative Action, minorities without a decent education will have a better chance at success in the future, helping minorities and whites become more equal. If these two strategies are enforced, MLK's dream of equality will become closer to reality.