New Haven Independent

The table, sponsored by the New Haven People’s Center (that’s the Center’s Joelle Fishman, pictured above standing next to “Obama”), was one of three dozen lining the rooms of the cavernous museum alongside the permanent exhibits of Connecticut rocks and birds, skulls of Neanderthal man, and artifacts from Native Americans. Music and dancing rocked the Great Hall of the Dinosaurs, as hundreds of kids and adults at any one time crowded around performers such as Joseph Firecrow on flute and drums, the Neighborhood Music School’s Premier Jazz Ensemble (featuring a teenage girl on the saxophone — a decidedly unusual sight), and Dee Dee’s Dance Ensemble.

This was the 13th annual free event celebrating Dr. King’s Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice, which attracts more than 2,000 people over Sunday and Monday from throughout the state.

Those working the table could hardly keep up with the flow of dreams pouring out of children of all ages, which were then mounted on display boards on every nearby surface.

Many wrote about their dreams to see an end to war, for a clean environment (and a solution to global warming), and an end to racism and other discrimination so everyone can live in peace and equality. One said his dream “is to be like you.”

Seven-year-old Eva was asked why she wanted Obama to lower prices. She answered, with the candor of a small child, “because my family is having trouble paying our bills.” Her grandmother asked that her last name not be used, and that she not be photographed.

Those who collected the posters plan to send them all to President Obama.