Martin Luther King Day Remembers a Brave Leader
Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 23, 2020
On Monday, the United States celebrated a powerful leader. Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday that was officially approved in 1983, signed by President Ronald Reagan. This marks the 25th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy.
The purpose of this holiday is to celebrate King’s life and achievements. “(MLK) opened a lot of doors, for all people,” Laurie Lawless, DRHS math teacher, said.
Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of a Baptist minister. He was a second child out of three, and his original first name was Michael, after his father. His father changed it to Martin because of the German Protestant leader, Martin Luther. King is associated with many notable actions like being the prime mover
“He was a powerful leader. I like the idea of non-violent resistance,” April Bell said.
Martin Luther King day is about paying back MLK for all that he did, and repaying his legacy,” Charrissa Rawlins said.
of the Montgomery bus boycott on December 1, 1955, keynote speaker at the March on Washington (August 28, 1963), and being the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate (1964).
King was a role model who changed the world, leaving a legacy. What he left behind was dedication to the non-violent struggle for racial equality in the United States. King went through tough times by not giving up, and King’s legacy reminds citizens to participate in volunteer service in their communities.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963. According to CNN, the speech delivered an important message on freedom and jobs. Although King is famous for using the phrase “I have a dream” continuously throughout that historic speech, most of his staff members were not fond of him using the refrain over and over again. His staff was wrong, as the phrase has now become iconic.
