Every January, the Palm Beach County School district gives staff and students a three day weekend, and students are thrilled to have an extra day off of school. However, the true meaning and importance of this holiday is often overlooked.
The third Monday of every January is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a holiday that commemorates the dedication and bravery that was displayed during the Civil Rights Movement, specifically on Aug. 28, 1963.
On that day, nearly 250,000 Americans courageously marched in Washington, D.C, for a cause against all odds. They demanded equality and justice for all. According to the National Park Service, “The event focused on employment discrimination, civil rights abuses against African Americans, Latinos, and other disenfranchised groups, and support for the Civil Rights Act that the Kennedy Administration was attempting to pass through Congress.”
It was during this march that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I have a dream” speech, which inspired millions of people to stand up for civil rights and peace among all Americans.
This moment paved the way for years of transformation in many communities across the U.S, particularly advancing freedom and equality for Black Americans.
Even before his iconic speech, Dr. King had already faced imprisonment for standing up to injustice. Despite being convicted, he persevered and persisted with his goals.
“On April 12, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and nearly 50 other protestors and civil rights leaders were arrested after leading a Good Friday demonstration as part of the Birmingham Campaign, designed to bring national attention to the brutal, racist treatment suffered by blacks in one of the most segregated cities in America—Birmingham, Alabama,” History.com said.
Years after this event Martin Luther King Jr. day was finally recognized as a federal holiday.
“January 20, 1986, marks the first observance of the Federal legal holiday, established by Public Law 98-144, honoring the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr,” (98 Stat. 1473).
Sadly, Dr. King was assassinated at 39 years old, on April 4, 1968, while advocating for sanitation workers on strike.
While these events happened decades ago, their impact is still felt today, and they shape how we view our current world.
“Martin Luther King Jr. has led us into a better future, especially for the African American community. Without him, I don’t think we would be able to be doing the things we are today. I think we would be lost,” R’Mahd Pratt, senior and Social Media Manager of Black Student Union, said.
Students today can see the impact and influence he has on our current world today and can relate it to their situation now. Unfortunately, many often forget the significance of this date and disregard Martin Luther King Jr. Day as another holiday off of school.
“I’ve heard many of my peers say that they are just looking forward to a three-day weekend and forgetting Martin Luther King Jr. day is very important,” Keisha Lamour, senior and President of Black Student Union, said.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day should not be remembered simply as a break from school, but instead as a reminder of the sacrifice and courage it took to create the freedom many enjoy today.
