This whole weekend I have heard people say over and over again, "We don't have MLK day off? That sucks! Every other school has it off. I wanted to sleep in..."
Wait, you wanted Martin Luther King Jr. day off so you could sleep in? Is that honestly the only reason?
This day is marked as a national holiday to commemorate the hard work and deeds of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who is known as a minister, activist, humanitarian and a leader. He played a major role in the African-American Civil Rights Movement, especially for his nonviolent protests during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Selma to Montgomery marches and March on Washington. He also was the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's first president, was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality and delivered the world famous "I Have A Dream" speech.
It's an understatement to say the man was pretty amazing. Wanting the day off to sleep is not how you should look at this special day.
Instead, you should take this day and look at our fragile and hurting world. King's work is far from over. Yes, racial injustice no longer includes "colored" and white drinking fountains, but takes root in more pressing matters, police brutality.
It seems like every time I watch the news there is a new case about police brutality. I have watched violent protests, peaceful marches, and empowered speeches. Even children have expressed their concern over whether they would be the next casualty!
Let's face it Hope College, we have school on MLK day, but we do have a way to commemorate the legacy of King that will get students, faculty and community members thinking about what they can do to fight against injustice. Monday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. in Dimnent Memorial Chapel, Hope alum, David Paul, will be delivering this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Lecture entitled "Dare to Be BOLD."
Paul will focus on how King courageously spoke and acted out against injustice even when his own life was threatened. Additionally, Paul will encourage students to take their gifts and apply them to present situations of injustice.
So on this MLK day think of what has been accomplished already, but then think of what still needs to be done. Go see Paul's lecture and be inspired to take a stand just like King.
