Thursday April 4th, 1968

Everyone has dreams.  In pursuing your dream you are often presented with challenges that test your resolve.  You ask, “Should I continue?  Is this important?”  Thursday, April 4th, 1968 is a fictional short story about one young man’s challenge to follow his dream in the midst of a national tragedy.

It is the spring of 1968.  Moses Derrick is a senior track star at Central High School in Harriston and being a track star in Harriston is a big deal.  This town loves its high school track.  Moses has always dreamed of winning the City Championship in his specialty, the 100-yard dash.  Last year, he pulled his hamstring during the championship race and was unable to finish.   A year of unrelenting rehabilitation by Moses has healed the hamstring and now he is on the verge of achieving his dream.

Then on Thursday, April 4th, 1968, five days before the City Championship track meet, an assassin’s bullet takes the life of Dr. Martin Luther King.  As Harriston and the nation mourns, Moses has to decide if he will participate in the track meet that will take place on the same day of Dr. King’s funeral.  Moses’ friends tell him he shouldn’t run.  Never mind that winning the 100-yard dash City Championship is Moses’ long-time dream.  Never mind that he has worked so hard to get the opportunity to run in the City Championship again.  His friends say it’s dishonorable to participate in a track meet on the same day that one of the most revered men who has ever lived is being laid to rest.  But, for Moses, running this race is his last chance to achieve his dream.