Dream Defenders

The Dream Defenders is not an organization…it is an idea.

We are founded on the idea that students and young people must come together, casting aside petty differences and organizational affiliations, to build a true movement of the People. We are dedicated to defending the dream etched in our memories by Dr. Martin Luther King: that we are all created equal and possess equal rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Our network of students, youth, and alumni began as a conference call organized by former student leaders of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Florida State University, and Tallahassee Community College. We sought to organize a forum where students across the state could organize their efforts to demand justice for Trayvon Martin. We invited 30 students and alumni to that call. 171 people showed up.

Students from the Journalism School at Florida A&M University had already began organizing a Easter Weekend March from Daytona to Sanford, Florida in the name of Justice for Trayvon Martin. With the historic March from Selma to Montgomery as our compass, our March will serve as a defining moment for our generation. Yet, it is only the beginning; A spark to catalyze a national movement of young people. We must do what ever is necessary to ensure that there is never another Trayvon Martin.

We are not an organization. We are an idea. An idea that cannot be quelled or silenced. We are diverse: students, alumni, black, brown, and white, young and old. We are a generation of world changers, writers, readers, rebels, marchers, dreamers, leaders, thinkers, organizers and activists. We are aware and we are angry. This revolution cannot be simply reposted or retweeted. Our legacy will be defined by decisive action.

The next few months are critical for our Nation’s history. The time is now. Do not delay.

We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.  The future is today. The future is Us.

Copyright 2012