MLK Day celebrates the one and only icon who helped black people fight against discrimination, Martin Luther King Jr.
WHO IS MLK?
MLK (also known as Martin Luther King) was a Baptist minister and social rights activist in the United States between the 1950s and 60s. He was a philosopher who was one of the well-known leaders in the civil rights movement from 1955 until 1968 when he sadly passed away.
The Civil Rights Movement was a social movement for justice and equality for African Americans and to end racial segregation across the U.S.
Martin Luther King is regarded as one of the greatest nonviolent leaders of modern history. With complete and direct lectures and dialogues, King sparked the conscience of many generations to come.
WHEN DID MLK DAY BECOME AN OFFICIAL US HOLIDAY?
MLK Day was first officially introduced in 1983. Honoring King with a national holiday had taken longer than other states such as Arizona and South Carolina. This was due to being illegally created in some states.
Eventually, all 50 states have celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day since the year 2000.
WHY DO WE CELEBRATE MLK DAY?
This national holiday commemorates Martin Luther King and is a day of remembrance and time to learn the importance of his achievements that made history. As a way of learning, MLK Day provides a valuable opportunity to educate about social justice in many ways.
Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities.
Celebrating MLK Day allows us to realize social justice and that young people can have the power to change the minds of others who still believe in segregation.
KING’S LEGACY (BERNICE A. KING)
Dr. Bernice King, Martin Luther King’s youngest daughter and the current CEO of the King Center, now holds his legacy. Inspired by her father, Bernice became a global thought leader, strategist, solutionist, peace advocate, and orator.
“I’m inspired by history. Some came before us, our ancestors had to face some dark and difficult times,” King says. “We as a humanity have made it through some real difficult challenges but, we are a part of who they were, and so it’s in us and we shall overcome too.”
MLK’S RELEVANCE
As of today in the new era, MLK is still relevant today as he symbolizes as the embodiment of one of the leaders who bravely faced racial equality and discrimination.
“Of course, MLK is relevant. He is one of the greatest leaders for racial fighting so for him not to be remembered shows disrespect.” Said 11th Grader Bradley Turin.
Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy will always live on for generations to be inspired as well.
The impact of his work has made him an important figure to the black community and will remain to help other racially harsh environments of the United States.
