Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr., and Why Do We Celebrate?

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Each year, on the third Monday of January, we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. Who was Martin Luther King, Jr., though and why do we celebrate?

 

Although schools are closed and some employers give employees the day off, the true meaning of this holiday and who was Martin Luther King is often overlooked. ​ This national holiday celebrates the life and legacy of an incredibly prominent figure who shaped America with his vision. It represents our nation’s ability to come together and put aside both racial and cultural differences to celebrate our unified country. This holiday, more than any other, represents hope, compassion, justice and forgiveness.

 

When you are asked who was Martin Luther King, Jr., know that he was the chief spokesperson for activism in the Civil Rights Movement. He encapsulated a time period of racial differences, gave a powerful voice to the people and defined an era. On this holiday, we commemorate Dr. King’s words, actions and beliefs.

 

 

In the midst of a national “war on race,” Dr. King filled the great void that our nation so desperately needed. Time and time again, he put his life on the line to stand up for what he knew was right. His challenges were numerous. He personally faced countless imprisonments and beatings along with endured racial slurs and horrible acts of violence. Yet, he pressed forward, knowing his plight for democracy for all Americans was worth any adversity.

 

On this holiday, we recognize Dr. King’s dream of a united nation and how far our country has come in achieving this goal. Just sixty years ago, our country was in a very different place. This holiday, however, is also a time to recognize how much further we have to go. Racial injustice still occurs. Racism is still extremely prominent. We see inequalities each day on both the civil and criminal side of the justice system.

 

While we, as a country, have made great strides in the past sixty years, we still have a long way to go until we reach true equality in our nation. This holiday reminds us each year of the sacrifices that have been made and the progress still to come.  It is important to continue to grow as a nation and learn as a society. While we cannot change the past, we have the power to right our wrongs and continue to do better in the future. Do you need help today? Do not wait to contact us. We are here to support you.