Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was a day utilized to take time for ourselves. While appreciating time for ourselves, we shall appreciate our ability to be equal to our peers. We appreciate King’s teachings throughout his struggle for equality and racial justice, which is still ongoing today. Martin Luther King Jr. Day remains an important tribute to a civil rights icon whose legacy continues to this day and will continue throughout history. King is extremely significant as he has succeeded in challenges to fulfill his and many others’ dreams.

Many take this day for granted, not just high schoolers; we may not put much thought into the day, regard it as any other holiday, and enjoy the day without looking back at why we are allowed a day off. MLK was a persistent advocate for racial equality and justice. His leadership during the American Civil Rights Movement caused change to progress, challenging the deeply ingrained discrimination in the nation. His meaningful speeches, including the pivotal “I Have a Dream,” conveyed his idea of a united, inclusive America, where people would be judged by their character rather than the color of their skin.

From that point onward, America progressed with the issue of racism and equality coming to the forefront, and many more were inspired to take a stand just as he did. The next time we get a day off from a holiday, think of the history and circumstances behind it and appreciate the present because he set the basis for today’s society.