Big Dreams Take Time
As our country celebrates the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, I cannot help but hear Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech in the back of my mind periodically throughout the day. The sound of his voice coupled with the compelling way he articulated his dream of equity, diversity, and inclusion, to this day incites a joyful hope that one day pursuing virtues of acceptance and tolerance will be something we as human beings will work toward every day until it is almost innate.
Disturbing tragedies over the past couple of years make the dream Martin Luther King, Jr. shared some 50 years ago seem almost impossible. As an African American woman who has seen and experienced a fair share of inequality in a variety of settings—whether it be at school, in my work, in my neighborhood and in my everyday leisure activities simply based on the color of my skin – I have reason to give up on big dreams of peace.
However, I have always believed that “sometimes bad things have to happen before good things can.” I am in no way saying that I believe good should always – or even sometimes – arise from bad. Instead, what I posit is that some dreams just take time. It is a fact that Dr. King brilliantly articulated his dream of equality decades ago; however, he had no timeline of how long it would take for his dream to materialize. He had no way of knowing the struggle and tragedies lots of people would face to make his dream a reality.
Therefore, when I reflect on Martin Luther King, Jr. and the amazing things he said and dreamt that day on the steps of the Washington Memorial, I am reminded that we cannot and should not lose hope that peace is possible. Dreams take time. Particularly the great ones. I believe that more good than bad will come of the challenges we face – as long as we unite and pursue peace together.
As Dr. King said, “nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals.”
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Editor’s Note:
Want to learn more about how Deanna and other Zebras are working to foster a more inclusive culture within the company and communities around the world? Read these blog posts:
- Inclusion and Diversity Action Report: How We’re Walking the Walk (and Continuing to Talk)
- Zebra is Listening: How We’re Taking Action to Ensure Everyone is Seen, Heard, Valued and Respected
- Ask the Expert: What Does Inclusion and Diversity Mean in Business Today?
- Meet the Man Behind ZEAL: Zebra’s Equality Alliance
- Zebra Launches New VETZ Initiative Just in Time for Veteran’s Day
Deanna Morgan
Deanna Morgan is currently a Software Solutions Consultant for Zebra's Prescriptive Analytics business unit and Communications Director for the Zebras of African Descent (ZAD) inclusion network – although her professional life has spanned a variety of career paths.
After graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Chapman University in Orange, California, Deanna began her career in education as a music teacher. She became a Miss America Scholarship recipient as Miss City of Orange in 1998 and participated in the Miss California pageant in 1999. It is through this experience in pageants that Deanna realized she had strong talent and abilities in public speaking and communication. She then began working in the media industry in local TV news and radio and became a successful television reporter as an anchor at affiliates in California, Arizona, and New England.
After 12 years in television, Deanna learned to build-up and strengthen her abilities in speech and reporting. She was successful in bringing attention to critical issues affecting the nation and bringing hope to many who were suffering in numerous communities. Through journalism, Deanna had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with prominent industry people and celebrities. Among them included the former Senator Gabby Gifford, Senator John McCain, Former President Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, and George Lopez along with many other notables.
More recently, her career pivoted to another unique path in the areas of retail, data analytics, and technology as a former Retail Store Operations Manager for David's Bridal and now in her position with Zebra.
In addition to her unique professional background, Deanna is bilingual in English and Spanish, is one of four children, and has an identical twin.
