For example, the interest in the more stringent academic preparatory courses that many African American elementary and middle school students display is frequently not encouraged by teachers and academic advisers. These students, more than others, are likely to be steered away from mathematics, the sciences and the advanced writing classes that are essential requisites for pursuing science at the collegiate level.

Misperceptions about the progress of African Americans also prove to be counter-productive. Recent studies have found that misconceptions about the progress of African Americans in health, business, employment and education promote the belief that African Americans have been sufficiently compensated by the government and no longer require its support. As a result, those who hold this misconception are less likely to support government programs that benefit African Americans. Yet, it is in fact these government programs that contribute to promoting effective strategies that support the cultivation of minority research scientists.

King possessed a rare trait in that he was both a renowned scholar and a model servant. The occasion celebrating his birthday and the observance of Black History Month is a time for all scholars to reflect on King's dreams and to advance opportunities in research and scholarly endeavors to a point of equitable inclusion.

We can all contribute to King's legacy, by continuing to dream. Dreaming is the essence of what scholars do and is at the very heart of their creativity, inquiry and search for new knowledge.

— Dr. Henry N. Williams is a professor of microbiology at the University of Maryland Dental School. Dr. DeLois Powell and Eric Byrd contributed to this article. Powell is assistant director in the Office of Sponsored Programs at Morgan State University. Byrd is a coordinator in the office.