Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which we celebrate every year on the third Monday of January, is more than just a day off from school.
It’s a day to think about Dr. King’s dream and what it means for us today. His fight for equality and justice still matters, and his message of peace and perseverance inspires us to keep working hard on creating a better society.
Dr. King never gave up on his focus on equality and his commitment to nonviolence.
From leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the March on Washington to Bloody Sunday in Selma, he made people believe that change was possible. His work challenged segregation laws and motivated others to take action against injustice.
Social studies teacher Felecia Hamilton, who teaches African American history, spoke with the Beachcomber about how we can honor Dr. King’s legacy.
“I think that one of the most important lessons is to stay true to your beliefs,” she said. “It’s not always easy to stick to your morals and beliefs, especially when things get tough, but Dr. King showed us how important it is to keep going forward no matter what.”
Hamilton explained that Dr. King’s dream wasn’t just about fixing racism. It was about creating a world where everyone has a fair chance, no matter who they are or where they come from.
When we think about Dr. King, it’s easy to focus on his historic speeches. But his real impact came from the way he organized people and fought for changes in the law, like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He proved that with enough determination, you can actually make a difference.
As we celebrate MLK Day, we should remember that his dream isn’t just a thing of the past. It’s a challenge for all of us to do our part to make the world a fairer place. Whether it’s through volunteering, learning about history, donating or just being kind to people, we can all help keep his legacy and his dream alive.
Hamilton also explained that it is traditional to do a day of service for MLK day.
In an effort to give back, the African American Affinity Group is holding a day of service on Sunday, Jan. 19 from 2:00 to 4:00 in the BHS community room. Participants will create bags of kindness for the Cleveland City Mission.
Dr. King taught us that building a better world takes courage, teamwork and a lot of heart. By living out his values, we can honor his memory and work toward a future where equality and fairness apply to everyone.
