Day 16

Today is not just another day off, my fellow comrades in education. Today we get to reflect on Martin Luther King, Jr. and the result of one man driven by a resolve to make the world a better place to inhabit.

He once said "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

This blog has been somewhat of a step of faith for me. I started this challenge to wear a bow tie for 1,000 days straight with a personal collection of maybe a few dozen bow ties with the idea that if anyone wanted to join me or support me they could do so by either donating a tie for me to wear (so that perhaps I might eventually wear 1,000 different ties) or donate to one of the Achievement First schools I represent. In the last 16 days I've field dozens of e-mails noticed my page views continue to grow into the thousands and I'm more inspired than ever to continue the same dialogue that Dr. King so passionately delivered with more consistency than my wardrobe.

The bow ties are awesome - please don't get me wrong. But today, of all days, let's not forget that this mission has a greater purpose than to keep me looking dapper. Let's continue to raise awareness that Dr. King's dream has not yet been fully realized. I too have a dream that one day our three sons will not be judged by the color of their skin, but for the content of their character.

Today's bow tie was generously donated by my new friend Carlos Aguilera. He's got a couple of collections - this one is from Knot Now. I suggest you also check out his Necks Tuesday line. Great stuff!  Did I mention he skateboarded to our apartment to hand deliver this gem? I love the fact that though it's a freestyle handcrafted lightly textured wool tie it's also joined together by a small clasp so if you just want to tie it once and then take it off without undoing your bow you most certainly can.