With the long weekend ahead of them, students were looking forward to having an extra day off of school to spend time with family and friends. With that being said, most students never ask questions as to why there is no school. For this reason, I challenge them to think twice about the real reason we had off last Monday.

Monday, January 16th was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to honor a famous American Civil Rights leader who dedicated his life to achieving equality around the world. He spread messages of peace and justice to Americans which are all still meaningful today. 

“Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”
March for Integrated Schools, April 18, 1959. (nps.gov)

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
Strength to Love, 1963.  (nps.gov)

His goal was to make a difference in the world, and that is exactly what he did. His messages still touch the heart of American people today as we all collectively work towards a more equal and peaceful world. 

January 16th is a day to recognize all of the good that Martin Luther King Jr. has done for our world. Even though the fight for justice may still be going on, the younger generations must realize that MLK’s ideals have helped America to be motivated toward change. 

We should be inspired to serve our communities in unique ways, rather than sleeping in or disregarding the holiday. Take it as “a day on, not a day off”  (Sarah Hamilton, a social impact consultant).