First Female MLB Umpire

 

Jen Pawol: The First Female Umpire in MLB History and a Milestone for Gender Equality

On August 9, 2025, Jen Pawol stepped onto the field at Truist Park in Atlanta, making history as the first woman to umpire a regular-season Major League Baseball (MLB) game. Her debut during the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves series marked a monumental moment, not only for baseball but for the broader landscape of professional sports. Pawol’s journey to this historic achievement, the evolution of the umpire’s role in baseball, and the significance of her presence as a female umpire underscore a powerful narrative of resilience, skill, and gender equality. This blog post delves into Pawol’s biography, the history of umpiring in MLB, and why her debut is a landmark event that demonstrates the equality of women and men in sports.

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 Jen Pawol: A Biography of Grit and Passion

Jen Pawol, born on December 29, 1976, in West Milford, New Jersey, grew up in a household where baseball was a constant presence. Raised on Long Island, she was steeped in the sport from a young age, with the game often playing on the family television. Her love for baseball was deeply tied to her family, particularly her father, Jim, with whom she forged a close bond after the tragic loss of her mother, Victoria, to an aneurysm when Pawol was just 13. This personal loss shaped her resilience and determination, qualities that would define her path to the major leagues.

Pawol’s athletic prowess was evident early on. At West Milford High School, she excelled as a three-time all-state athlete in both softball and soccer. Her talent earned her a softball scholarship to Hofstra University, where she played as a catcher and was a three-time all-conference selection in the Colonial Athletic Association. In 2001, she represented the United States on the women’s national baseball team, showcasing her competitive spirit on an international stage.

Beyond athletics, Pawol pursued a multifaceted career. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute and a Master’s in Fine Arts from Hunter College, working as an art teacher while building her athletic career. Her creative pursuits complemented her athletic drive, reflecting a versatile and determined individual. However, despite her accomplishments, Pawol felt unfulfilled playing local sports after her competitive career. She found her true calling in umpiring, a role that allowed her to stay connected to the game she loved while wielding authority on the field.

Pawol began umpiring fastpitch softball games to fund her education, officiating NCAA games from 2010 to 2016. Her skill and composure caught the attention of MLB umpire Ted Barrett, who invited her to an MLB umpire tryout camp in 2015. Pawol’s response—“You know I’m a woman, right?”—reflected her awareness of the rarity of women in the profession, but it didn’t deter her. In 2016, she attended the Minor League Baseball Umpire Training Academy in Vero Beach, Florida, and earned a position in the Gulf Coast League, becoming the first woman to umpire a Minor League game in nearly a decade.

Over the next decade, Pawol climbed the ranks of the minor leagues, officiating over 1,200 games. In 2023, she became the first woman in 34 years to umpire at the Triple-A level, the highest tier before the majors. She also officiated the Triple-A championship game that year and worked spring training games in 2024 and 2025. Her persistence paid off when, on August 6, 2025, she received the call from MLB’s umpire operations team to officiate the Marlins-Braves series. On August 9, she debuted at first base, followed by third base in the doubleheader’s second game, and took her place behind home plate for the series finale on August 10, making her first strike call in the majors.

Pawol’s journey was not without challenges. As a trailblazer, she faced scrutiny and skepticism in a male-dominated field. Yet, her professionalism and skill earned her respect from players, coaches, and fellow umpires. Interactions with figures like Adam Wainwright, who praised her during a rehab assignment, and Astros manager Joe Espada, who predicted her success, highlighted the support she received. Pawol’s donation of her debut cap to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown symbolized the culmination of her lifelong connection to the sport, from a childhood visit to the Hall with her parents to her historic achievement.

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 The History of the Umpire’s Role in Baseball

The role of the umpire in baseball is as old as the game itself, evolving alongside the sport’s growth into America’s pastime. Umpires are the arbiters of the game, responsible for enforcing rules, making judgment calls on plays, and ensuring fair competition. The position demands acute observational skills, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain composed under pressure—qualities that transcend gender.

In the early days of baseball in the 19th century, umpiring was often informal, with local figures or even players taking on the role. As the sport professionalized with the formation of the National League in 1876, umpiring became a formalized profession. Umpires were tasked with calling balls and strikes, ruling on plays at the bases, and managing disputes, often facing intense scrutiny from players, managers, and fans. The role required deep knowledge of the game’s rules, physical endurance to cover the field, and mental fortitude to handle confrontations.

By the 20th century, umpiring had become a highly specialized profession, with formalized training programs and a structured path through the minor leagues to the majors. The introduction of technology, such as instant replay and pitch-tracking systems, has added complexity to the role, requiring umpires to adapt to new tools while maintaining their authority on the field.

Historically, women faced significant barriers to entering umpiring. While no formal rule excluded women from the role, cultural biases and entrenched gender norms limited opportunities. Pioneers like Bernice Gera, who umpired a single minor league game in 1972 before resigning due to hostility, and Pam Postema, who officiated spring training games in 1988-89 but never reached the majors, paved the way for future generations. Christine Wren and Ria Cortesio also made strides in the minors but faced resistance and stalled at lower levels. These women endured significant challenges, including overt discrimination and the pressure to conform to male norms, such as altering their appearance or names to fit in.

Pawol’s ascent to the majors, built on the foundation laid by these trailblazers, reflects a shift in baseball’s culture. Her success highlights the importance of persistence and the gradual dismantling of barriers, as well as the growing acceptance of women in roles traditionally reserved for men.

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 Why Jen Pawol’s Debut Is a Major Historical Event

Jen Pawol’s debut as the first female umpire in MLB history is a landmark event that transcends baseball, serving as a powerful testament to the equality of women and men. Her achievement carries profound significance for several reasons:

1. Breaking a Longstanding Gender Barrier: Baseball has been a male-dominated sport for over a century, both on and off the field. While women have made strides in other areas of the game—such as Jessica Mendoza as the first female ESPN analyst in 2015 and Margaret Donahue as the first female front-office executive in 1919—umpiring remained an exclusively male domain in the regular season until Pawol’s debut. Her presence challenges the notion that certain roles are inherently gendered, proving that women can excel in high-stakes, authoritative positions.

2. Inspiring Future Generations: Pawol’s visibility on the field sends a powerful message to young girls and women that they belong in sports, whether as players, coaches, umpires, or executives. Her story of perseverance—over a decade in the minors, facing scrutiny, and earning respect through skill—demonstrates that dedication and talent can overcome systemic barriers. As she noted in an interview, “I believe that I’m going to be a very good steward and representative for young girls and women, and boys and men, that this is possible.” Her debut is a beacon of hope for aspiring female officials across sports.

3. Advancing Gender Equality in Sports: Pawol’s achievement aligns with broader progress in professional sports. The NBA broke its gender barrier with Violet Palmer in 1997, the NFL with Sarah Thomas in 2015, and the men’s soccer World Cup with female referees in 2022. Pawol’s debut places MLB in this continuum, signaling that baseball is catching up with other leagues in recognizing women’s capabilities. Her success challenges stereotypes and fosters a more inclusive view of who can succeed in sports.

4. Changing Cultural Perceptions: Umpires are often the most scrutinized figures on the field, facing criticism from fans, players, and managers alike. Pawol’s ability to handle this pressure with professionalism—evidenced by her smooth debut and animated calls—demonstrates that women can thrive in roles requiring authority and resilience. Her warm reception from fans, who applauded her at Truist Park, and players, who offered handshakes and support, reflects a cultural shift toward acceptance and respect for women in traditionally male roles.

5. Honoring Trailblazers: Pawol’s success is built on the efforts of women like Gera, Postema, Wren, and Cortesio, who faced significant adversity to pave the way. By acknowledging their contributions, Pawol ensures their legacies are not forgotten, reinforcing the collective effort required to achieve equality. Her debut is not just a personal triumph but a victory for all women who have fought for recognition in baseball.

6. Contributing to Diversity and Inclusion: Pawol’s presence aligns with MLB’s broader efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. Her role as a “rover” umpire, eligible to substitute for full-time MLB umpires, demonstrates that opportunities are expanding for women in the sport. As MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred stated, “This historic accomplishment in baseball is a reflection of Jen’s hard work, dedication, and love of the game.” Her debut sets a precedent for future female umpires, potentially increasing the number of women among the eight currently umpiring in the minors.

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 Conclusion

Jen Pawol’s historic debut as the first female umpire in Major League Baseball on August 9, 2025, is a moment of profound significance. Her journey from a softball standout and art teacher to a trailblazing umpire reflects a decade of grit, skill, and passion for the game. The evolution of the umpire’s role, from an informal position to a highly specialized profession, underscores the challenges Pawol overcame in a historically male-dominated field. Her achievement is a powerful demonstration of gender equality, proving that women and men are equally capable of excelling in roles requiring authority, expertise, and resilience.

Pawol’s debut is more than a personal milestone; it is a cultural turning point that challenges stereotypes, inspires future generations, and honors the women who paved the way. As she continues to officiate, her presence on the field will reshape perceptions of what is possible in baseball and beyond, reinforcing the truth that talent and determination know no gender. For young girls watching, Pawol’s story is a reminder that they, too, can step up to the plate and make history.

Sources:  

[](https://www.mentalfloss.com/sports/baseball/jen-pawol-first-female-mlb-umpire)[](https://www.mlb.com/news/jen-pawol-on-her-journey-to-becoming-1st-woman-to-umpire-mlb-game)[](https://www.baseballbiographies.com/jen-pawol-first-female-umpire-in-mlb-history-making-waves/)

Duck Dynasty Homophobia

Phil Robertson of the reality program "Duck Dynasty" which airs on A&E was punished for exercising his first amendment right of free speech.

Robertson is a devout Protestant Christian who made some comments some are calling "homophobic" and hateful. For an interview conducted by GQ Magazine, Robertson was asked about personal views on sin to which he replies:

"It seems like, to me, a vagina -- as a man -- would be more desirable than a man's anus. That's just me. I'm just thinking: There's more there! She's got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I'm saying? But hey, sin: It's not logical, my man. It's just not logical... Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men."

He also paraphrases 1 Cor. 6:9-11 where St. Paul speaks strongly against Homosexuality and other vices. 

A&E immediately took action and suspended Robertson from the popular show. According to what I've read, Robertson is on the show for his in-your-face Christian views and opinionated character.  He is apparently the most popular of the cast.  Thousands are writing to and calling A&E as well as GLAAD to voice their anger that he was suspended.  Death threats were even made.  Viewers are tired of religious censorship. 

The program "Duck Dynasty" is about a family that has made it big with the hunting industry.  I have never watched the program and learned of it now after this scandal. However, I am bothered that religious speech is being censored. While Robertson's tone may have been harsh, he was simply repeating what the Scriptures say - minus the bestiality part. 

We need to realize what is going on here. Christian views, in particular the Bible are being catergorized as "vile and hateful" speech. This is serious indeed! We cannot let a minority subculture silence the majority Christian population.

Hopefully this will wake Christians up.  I myself am being censored online by some social networks for promoting Catholicism.  The battle is coming into the light.
 

***UPDATE December 28, 2013***

After receiving heat from Christians and overall Americans who value Free Speech and Religious Rights, A&E surrendered and reinstated Phil Robertson.  This is testament to the power of Christians. If we protest and vote properly, we can rid the United States of Anti-Christian values and immorality such as abortion, euthanasia and "same-sex" marriage.
(source: http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/conservative-fans-unhappy-ae-duck-dynasty-controversy/story?id=21361034
http://ideas.time.com/2013/12/29/duck-dynasty-mess-revealed-that-not-all-fundamentalists-live-in-the-bible-belt/
http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/12/27/duck-dynasty-why-ae-backed-down/
http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/27/showbiz/duck-dynasty-resumes/
http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/12/28/opposing-groups-issue-statements-regarding-phil-robertson/
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ae-cant-win-on-duck-dynasty-flap/)



Source:

http://tv.yahoo.com/news/duck-dynasty-fallout-glaad-reeling-biggest-backlash-years-010050637.html

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/duck-dynasty-star-verbally-attacks-gay-people-newly-emerged-video-article-1.1553737

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/12/19/dumped-from-duck-dynasty-politics-suspending-tv-star-for-anti-gay-remarks/

http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/18/showbiz/duck-dynasty-suspension/

http://www.torontosun.com/2013/12/20/phil-robertsons-comparison-of-homosexuality-to-bestiality-out-of-line-ae

Boobs and Buns

I was reading a few things online and found them amusing and had to write on them.  This is why I chose the title "Boobs and Buns" to make light of what I read.

Boobs
Apparently, it is legal in NYC for a woman to go shirtless.   When I say shirtless, I don't mean wearing a bra, sports bra or even a bikini top.  I mean completely shirtless with the breasts exposed to the world.  Women in NYC can bare it all without issue from the cops.  As a matter of fact, the NYPD was instructed to leave women who do this alone and break up crowds that may form around her who are naturally curious to see some boobies.

The issue began in the early 90's when five women were arrested at Rochester.  The issue went to court (People v.Ramona Santorelli and Mary Lou Schloss) and the judge ruled that the women had a right to be shirtless in public.  These women of course are remnants of the hippies of the past who under the banner of "freedom" and feminism burned their bras in protest.

Buns
Another story involves a proposed law to ban what is called "sagging."  No.. this law does not
involve breasts... it involves a style of wearing - or not wearing - clothes.  "Sagging" is a style usually visible on males and sometimes lesbians in which their jeans/pants hang so low that underwear is visible to all.

In New Jersey, some politicians are taking the issue seriously by claiming that residents and visitors are complaining about the rear views as they try to enjoy some time on the Jersey Shore.  The style is usually visible on youngsters who don't seem to care much about who is viewing their undergarments and its contents.

"Sagging" supposedly originated from prison.  Prisoners are not allowed to wear belts, so pants sag low and cannot be contained so inmates simply leave them sagging.  Rappers and Hip Hop artists adopted the trend and their fans are now imitating them.  Moreover, it is also mentioned that sagging is a homosexual cue to attract a sex partner.  A theory exists that while in prison, inmates who may be homosexual or just sexually aroused, sag in order to signal others that he wants to be penetrated by another male - usually a well endowed one.  The display of his buttocks is an attempt to arouse other males and attract a sexual partner.   Another theory that goes around is that some guys want to show off their underwear brands in an attempt to show "social status" since not all underwear costs the same.

My thoughts
These stories are strange but interesting, to say the least.  The debate can go either way in my opinion.  Men and women have breasts, so why do men get to be shirtless and women must be clothed?  It seems unfair right?  Well unfortunately, our species is a species that sometimes cannot have full control of bodily desires.  We cannot shut off appetites of any kind with ease.  That being said, if women are allowed to walk bare-chested, rest assured that she will be sexually attacked in some way.  This may not be because she is "asking for it."  It is because there will be males who simply cannot control themselves.  They may be mentally ill or simply so aroused that they cannot help but attack a woman.

The body is good.  God made it.  We should not be ashamed of our bodies.  There is so much sexual taboo regarding female breasts, but they serve a function: the feeding of human offspring.  Round breasts exist on women, not only to identify her as female; but also to provide nutrition for her offspring.

As an apocrine gland, the breast produces milk with antibodies geared towards helping an infant develop.  Men find breasts attractive not because they are 'sexy' or what not, but because of this function.  Males are hardwired to find the best mate in order to produce the best offspring.  Women with the "best" breasts are perceived as more attractive because of this hard-wiring.  Because of this, I think it is wiser to have women cover up.  This is not because of any issues with equality, but for safety.

In regards to "sagging," I am all for freedom of expression; however, sagging is a bit silly, tacky and unhygienic.  It makes no sense to walk around with your pants hanging below your buttocks while your underwear is showing.  This makes it nearly impossible to walk with a good posture and simply makes the sagger look ridiculous.  Moreover, the exposing of the rear is unhygienic.  This is an area where human waste is released from the body.  When sitting or leaning on a surface, fecal matter and smells will bond with seats and other places where the buttocks rest.  This is disgusting and poses a health risk for those who sit or lean wherever the sagger was resting at.  Health risks also affect the sagger.  If a sagger is sitting on a bus seat, subway seats, park bench; the bacteria present on those surfaces can be transferred to the buttocks which may lead to boils or even abscesses.  The warm weather will further aggravate this because the area is prone to sweat/moisture and body heat that will increase bacteria growth.

Furthermore, since sagging can be interpreted as a signal for homosexual attraction, homosexual
men may mistake heterosexuals males for homosexual ones and a problem may arise if the former flirts with the latter.  There is also the issue of voyerism.  While reading on sagging, I noticed videos on youtube that show cell phone quality videos of saggers being stalked.

The videos were obviously recorded by voyeurs who seem to get off on watching the movement of a sagger's buttocks in a public area.  Unbeknownst to the sagger, he is being videotaped from behind and his parts are then displayed on the internet.  I seriously doubt that a guy would want someone following him and having his buns recorded by a cell phone camera.

In closing, there are a lot of crazy people out there.  It is better to be safe than sorry.  Women should cover up and guys need to wear their pants correctly.  A woman is not defined by her breasts.  Keeping them covered does not make her less equal than a male.  Moreover, a guy has no need to show his "booty" or "cakes" - as the youth call them - for the world to see.  This is behavior unbecoming of a heterosexual gentleman.

So ladies, keep the clothes on and guys keep the cakes in the bakery.                  




Source:

http://www.policymic.com/articles/42359/topless-women-in-public-not-breaking-the-law-says-nypd
http://www.boston.com/travel/destinations/2013/06/11/cheeky-problem-town-restrict-baggy-pants/Vqu0PM6Tx8oeIQji6z8FRJ/story.html

Pandora's Box 21st Century

Many of you reading this are aware of the mythological story of "Pandora's Box."  The story has a similar theme to that of the story of Genesis with Adam and Eve with regards to Eve eating of the forbidden fruit and then sharing it with Adam.  This would bring about Original Sin.

In Pandora's Box, Pandora is the first woman on Earth.  To shorten the story, Zeus had other gods create her out of water and soil and prepared her for life on Earth.  She was given a box or container and was specifically told not to open it.  As we all know, human beings are very curious creatures.

What did Pandora do?  She opened it!  As she opened it, evil came out of the box and spread throughout the Earth.  Only one thing remained in the box and that was hope.  Of course, Pandora tried in vain to restore the contents into the container, but was unsuccessful.  The damage was done, so to speak.

In the United States of America and throughout the world, there is an issue that will bring about great harm to society: Gay Marriage.  I will not go into full details as to why this is so, but will touch on one of the dangers so-called "gay marriage" will bring to societies throughout the globe.

Recently, a twitter friend of mine from Malta informed me of this:

@sacerdotus Can you please write a blog about this?! Because I have some friends in favor! Unbelievable! 10q! GBU straitstimes.com/breaking-news/…
— Christopher Grima (@GrimaChris) April 3, 2013

The news in the link is disgusting, but does not come off as a surprise; here's why:
Ever since the homosexual community has lobbied for "equal rights" and the normalization of their lifestyle, other sexually deviant groups have followed their example.  In the summer of 2011, there was an actual conference with psychologists calling for the normalization of pedophilia.  See this blog post I wrote:  http://www.sacerdotus.com/2011/10/pedophilia-rights.html 

There is actually a movement that is seeking to make pedophilia normal and accepted in society just like at one point homosexuality was considered a disorder and was removed from the DSM or
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1973.

In the Netherlands, there is a group of pedophiles seeking to normalize this disgusting behavior.  The group "Martijn" is pushing for the acceptance of relationships between adults and children!  This group is similar to "NAMBLA" in the United States of America.  Ironically, both are offshoots of the LGBT agenda.  "Martijn" was removed from the International Lesbian and Gay Association in 1994.  "NAMBLA," was founded by LGBT homosexual activist David Thorstad.  

These are details the gay rights movement do not tell their blind audience for obvious reasons.  

If so-called "Gay Marriage," is legalized under the pretense of equal rights, then what's to stop pedophiles from requesting the same?  In reality, they are already requesting the same rights!  Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked a similar question. 

Sotomayor asked, "If you say that marriage is a fundamental right, what state restrictions could ever exist?" before referencing "polygamy and incest among adults," as reported by Matt Canham of the Salt Lake Tribune. The argument is an illustration of a broader issue about the culture of American society. To agree that gay marriage is indeed protected by the "equal protection" clause in the Constitution, wouldn't the same apply for all consenting adult relationships? - http://politics.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863680

Sotomayor asked a very important question.  Furthermore, if the LGBT easily found a way to lobby the normalization of their lifestyle, rest assured that pedophiles will do the same.  Once they do that, then they will demand "equal rights" to marry children.

Marriage is only possible between a male and female.  Both can naturally start a family by procreation and this is how it has been since man first walked the Earth.  We have no right to alter it based on chic ideas that have not been thought out carefully.  We cannot socially engineer what is established by nature in order to please our vices.  

If today's Pandora's Box is opened, then unspeakable evils will spread around attacking the family which would bring down society because the family is the cell of every society.  Greek and Roman societies adopted homosexuality and pedophilia as norms, where are they now?  All that remains of their culture and societies are ruins.

The Pandora's Box of the 21st century must remain closed.




Source:

http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/world/story/dutch-court-overturns-ban-paedophile-association-20130403  

"I have a Dream" speech by Dr. King

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.
Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
 This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check -- a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating "For Whites Only". We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.
I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."
And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!
Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!
But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"