In 1963, 100 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, patience was rightfully running thin for African Americans. For its credibility as a nation erected upon collective human liberty, America desperately needed to usher in a new era of progress for equality and justice for all.

In the early 1960s, there were many peaceful demonstrations for expanded civil and economic rights for African Americans. Local governments were orchestrating violence and arrests against these demonstrations. It was in the midst of these challenges that 60 years ago, this month, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gathered on August 27, 1963, with a small team of trusted advisors at The Willard Hotel a short distance from the White House. The goal of the meeting was to discuss his speech the next day before hundreds of thousands of individuals who had gathered in Washington, DC to demand change.

When the meeting started at the Willard, Dr. King’s speech was far from complete – the canvas of the eventual masterpiece had just a few strokes on it. The discussion was an open exchange of ideas amongst valued colleagues. The group focused on the right to vote, full access to jobs and education. There was talk of referencing a vision or “dream” in the speech, but while the group was sympathetic to that tone some felt it sounded trite or commonplace.

The meeting stretched into the night and the early morning of August 28th. Significant progress had been made, and the work was close to complete. Dr. King left for his room still feeling a lingering belief that the speech lacked something. He hoped a fresh spirit for his remarks might rise with the summer sun. After all, Dr. King was a person motivated by faith, and he yearned to honor his belief in God by raising human dignity for all people with his voice. Dr. King was a brilliant person, a tactical thinker, but at his core he had a gift the inspirational dream.

The summer sun rose. It stretched over the Lincoln Memorial steps and shone across the faces of those who awaited the arrival of an historic day. Of the countless sparkling faces, one glimmering heart, one luminous voice stood out. It was that of Mahalia Jackson. Her presence and friendship with Dr. King would change the day, arouse the treasured words of a courageous reverend’s dream.

Mahalia Jackson was one of the most gifted vocalists of the time. Born into financial poverty in 1911, she was spiritually rich and came to be known globally as “The Queen of Gospel." While at the historic Washington 1963 march, she was asked to perform two pieces. Jackson’s last piece was a spiritual named "I've Been 'Buked and I've Been Scorned." There was a reverent hush as she performed it, and a standing ovation after she finished.

As the last speaker of the day, Dr. King edged to the podium after Jackson had performed. He had been deeply moved by his friend. Dr. King held the script of his speech, but also carried a gift for impromptu remarks. Dr. King’s words from the outset were eloquent, powerful, wise, and direct. He said to all those assembled that they had “come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now.” His voice resonated with history. Then came a striking moment during the speech, a spark between two soulful friends.

Jackson was sitting near Dr. King as he spoke, and she said almost in prayer, “tell them about the dream, Martin.” Dr. King heard his dear friend who he much admired. He paused slightly, and then shifted from his script to merge it into a stirring description of his dream. The sermon of advocacy that is now in the annals of time bloomed out of a heartfelt connection between friends.

As I stand here on the very spot that Dr. King, Mahalia Jackson, and many others stood, I feel that hallowed spirit that Dr. King referenced. African American heroes from all corners of the land pulled from patriotism in a country that was falling short of its ideals. They leaned into their faith in God, humanity, and government that these injustices would be lifted. Against fierce resistance, they peacefully marched forward to embrace the call for change, to collectively remind America of its original call.

They were a generation of leaders who encouraged each other to speak of their dreams, then resolutely went forward together, a choir singing a song of justice from street to street, from sea to shining sea. Whether we are in America, Scotland, or any other corner of the world, we should draw from their example, taking up the mantel to dream, encourage, and work for better days.

Ian Houston has spent his career as an advocate for diplomacy, trade, poverty alleviation, and intercultural dialogue. He promotes commercial, educational, artistic, and charitable linkages between Scotland, UK, and the US. He is an Honorary Professor at the University of the West of Scotland and honorary Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen. He is located in the Washington, DC area. His views are his own.