Character Over Color: Honoring Dr. King’s True Vision

As someone of black, white, and Cherokee descent, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holds special meaning for me. It’s not just another federal holiday — it’s a reminder of a dream that changed America. A dream that, at its heart, was beautifully simple: judge people by their character, not their color.

Sitting here at my desk, working on my latest novel, I often think about how Dr. King’s vision influences my storytelling. You see, when I create characters, I focus on who they are inside — their hopes, fears, struggles, and triumphs. Their skin color might be part of their story, but it’s never their whole story.

That’s exactly what Dr. King envisioned: a world where we see the whole person first.

Dr. King’s famous words about judging people by “the content of their character” weren’t just a catchy phrase. They were a blueprint for true unity. As a writer and a “halfer” (as I proudly call myself), I’ve seen how powerful this approach can be.

When we focus on character — on who people truly are — amazing things happen. Barriers break down. Understanding grows. Real connections form.

Looking at America today, I sometimes wonder what Dr. King would think. We’ve made progress in some areas, but in others, it feels like we’re moving backward. Too often, we’re still letting surface differences divide us, forgetting that our strength lies in our unity, not our division.

But here’s the thing: We can change that narrative. Each of us has the power to honor Dr. King’s legacy by choosing to see people as individuals, not categories.

As an authoress, I make it my mission to create stories that bring people together. My characters come from all walks of life, but what matters most is their hearts — their character. Because that’s what Dr. King taught us: true unity comes from understanding each other’s humanity.