As I reflected on this topic I wanted to take a different spin on it. Everyone knows the story of Martin Luther King, Jr., the leader of the Civil Rights Movement and the March on Washington where he gave the famous "I Have a Dream" speech and so many other accomplishments in his lifetime until he was assassinated in 1964 and his life was cut unfortunately short at the age of 39.
Martin Luther King, Jr. stood as the leader of the African American community in the United States where it was common during those times to be discriminated against if you were not the "right" ethnicity or social background. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke with great courage and inspiration to many people who of had challenges in their lives and motivated them to take a chance. Martin Luther King, Jr. was not going to be discouraged by being told things like, "No, you will never accomplish anything in your life." He was one of the key components of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to outlaw discrimination of race, color, religion, and sex, as well as helping with issues like unequal voter requirements and racial segregation in schools.
Now, with all that being said, in order to feel the importance of this day, I think all public schools and universities should be open on this day. The reason I feel this way is most children are just happy to have a day off school when, instead, it could be an open and honest conversation about race and culture in America today. Because in today's society we begin to judge others too easily, not knowing that everyone comes from different backgrounds and beliefs. I feel if you have a whole day worth of activities and lessons, kids will fully appreciate the reason why we, as a nation, celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. day.
This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day also comes at an interesting time for the nation this year because in a few short days after MLK day, the nation will celebrate the inauguration of President-Elect Trump on January 20. The nation is still very divided after the election between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Their goals for America were very different. There were fights on both sides between the supporters of each candidate and it consumed the lives of millions of Americans.
I wonder what Martin Luther King, Jr. would be thinking or saying about America today. Would he be disappointed, angry, frustrated? The progress that America has made since electing Barack Obama has been incredible, and, for many, there were significant accomplishments. But it still begs the question of "What's next for this country?"
In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., "Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals."
