To the Malcolm X inspired rap generation, 'by any means necessary' is perhaps a better rap beat than 'I have a dream.'

However, for assimilated African-American youth, King is a hero because he opened the doors to freedom.

This is true of older African-Americans as well.

In his final speech, King, all of 39, said, "I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And he's allowed me to go up to the mountain, and I've looked over, and I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the Promised Land."

Prophetic words that provide deep comfort to the downtrodden, anywhere, anyplace.

Image: US President Lyndon Johnson shakes hands with King in 1964 in Washington, DC.
Photograph: AFP/Getty Images