By Maureen Post Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Jan 19, 2009 at 2:00 PM

Whether fateful coincidence or divine intervention of the calendar year, there's something incredibly appropriate about celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday today and Barack Obama's inauguration tomorrow.

Obama's inauguration and subsequent presidency will not only change the political climate in Washington D.C. and abroad but his accomplishment opens the door of opportunity and ambition King envisioned over 40 years ago.

Where King spoke with hope and promise of a world in which race did not prevent excellence, Obama's inauguration is visible proof of a country where hope has been grasped by certainty. 

And more importantly, Obama's inauguration reveals a reality where King's faith and vision are very much alive in the American people.

It is indisputable that men and women have spent their entire lives standing up and fighting for what we will see tomorrow. And while Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of many, the words of his proclamation still remind us of what we one day hope to be.

So, celebrate today and celebrate again tomorrow as we commemorate one man who gave his life to make the hopes and dreams of another possible.

Maureen Post Special to OnMilwaukee.com

OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.

After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.

Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.