Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Every third Monday of January, Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day closes schools and state offices annually. It is a time for communities to honor his life and achievements toward racial equality. Reflecting on the era of brutal intolerance, his nonviolent fight for justice is remembered.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights activist born in 1929 fighting against racial discrimination via the Civil Rights Movement. As a church leader and Baptist, his acts were notorious for being peaceful and performing civil disobedience. He would use this power to combat oppression, such as the Jim Crow Laws.
A bill came into vote in 1979 at the House of Representatives proposing Martin Luther King Jr. Day, held on the namesake’s birthday. It was rejected due to the expenses of a paid holiday for federal employees needing to be lowered. It also went against tradition to tribute a figure who did not hold office. The King Center and the public created a campaign to have MLK Day official.
Their efforts included peace rallies, a song by Stevie Wonder titled “Happy Birthday,” and a petition signed six million times. Their work had been worthwhile. After extensive discussions mulling over cost and King’s character, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was signed into law by President Ronald Regan in 1983. It was met with resistance but eventually recognized in all 50 states by 2000.
King is most recognizable for his I Have a Dream Speech and for being the youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient. He has also organized protests, marches, and campaigns. When African American woman Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to move from her bus seat for a white man, King started the 385-day-long Montgomery Bus Boycott. He faced constant abuse in objection to segregation.
Other civil rights activists drew inspiration from the boycott. King’s drive for justice caused the formation of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, which King was head of until he died in 1968. SLCL became a civil rights organization that led the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28th, 1963, with 250,000 protestors.
Despite no schools being in session, Deerfield Beach High consistently celebrates MLK Day. Like in years past, DBHS will participate in the City of Deerfield Beach’s MLK Day Parade. In addition, several activities have been planned during Black History Month in February to commemorate King and many other Black lives who contributed to racial equality.
Unfortunately, King’s life was cut short at 39, assassinated, standing on the balcony of his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4th ,1968. His life is often viewed as distant and had taken place long ago, but he could have still been alive today at 94 if not for his passing. On this National Day of Service, Americans acknowledge a young man dedicated to justice and equal opportunities for all. Although gone, young leaders of the march for equality continue holding a candle to the honorable fighter.
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