The Meaning of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Meaning of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

"We've learned to fly the air like birds...and yet we haven't learned to walk the Earth as brothers and sisters."

1218
The Meaning of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Blogger

Every year, on the third Monday of January, Americans are given a chance to reflect and observe the tremendous impact that Martin Luther King Jr. still has on the world.

Only four days after the assassination of Dr. King in 1968, the first legislation insisting on a Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday was introduced by Michigan congressman John Conyers. Shortly after, the King Center sponsored the observance of the holiday and turned to support from the public.

In 1971, the Southern Leadership Christian Conference presented Congress with petitions reaching nearly three million signatures in favor of the King Holiday, but Congress neglected the gathered petitions and took no action to pursue the creation of the holiday.

The campaign to create the holiday took off in 1980 when musician Stevie Wonder released the song "Happy Birthday," commemorating the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr. The song inspired many to join the movement for a Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

After a toilsome 15 year battle, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill to create a federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Although passed in 1983, the bill was not put into effect until 1986.

The celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. is about more than his dream for America. During a time of separation and segregation in the United States, Dr. King upheld the law of the land by using his First Amendment right to voice the injustice occurring in our nation. His values of courage, persistence and solicitude inspired a nation, and then the world.

Having overcome nearly 30 arrests, Dr. King never let the criminal justice system take away the fight in him. Having his home bombed while speaking at a mass meeting, Dr. King never responded with violence. Having been stabbed during a book signing in Harlem only a decade prior to his assassination, Dr. King repeatedly affirmed his principles of nonviolence and expressed not a hint of malice toward his attacker. Reverend King's fearless spirit is remembered and commemorated on this holiday to remind the American people of the power of unconditional love.

Today, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a day that unites not only our country, but the world that we live in. Whether it be through service or spirit, on this day, people come together to give back. In all 50 states, citizens engage in service activities in order to strengthen communities and achieve a common goal.

On this day, people of all ages and backgrounds uphold Dr. King's devotion to equality and social justice by giving back to their communities to help address and find a solution to our nation's most critical problems. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in a world absent of poverty, war and violence. To celebrate this day is to celebrate his vision of a unified community.

Martin Luther King, Jr. served his life giving back to others, and on the third Monday of January everyone should mirror his humility and aim to give back.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71563
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133529
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments