The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

By: Eliza Smiley

On the third Monday of every January, we celebrate MLK Day. This federal holiday honors Dr. Martin Luther King and his fight for equality. King said that all people, regardless of skin color, have the right to be treated equally and fairly. He was a firm believer in Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas of nonviolent activism. While many protests can involve violence, King ensured that people protesting during the Equal Rights Movement remained peaceful.

When we hear the name MLK, many think of his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Dr. King spoke this to over 200,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington. This specific march took place in August 1963 and is currently one of the largest civil rights protests in history. During his speech, King spoke about the injustice and pain African Americans suffered during and after their enslavement. He also said, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” He emphasized that Black people deserve the same rights as everyone else because all people are equal, regardless of their skin.

Eighth-grader David Gates says, “I feel like MLK is someone to look up to because he is a risk-taker. MLK reminds me that everyone has rights. I value him very much.” A CFI parent added, “MLK helps us acknowledge the fact that historically and currently outside the walls of our school, the world has been a very difficult place for the Black community.”

Our school and city must remember the wise words of Dr. King to create a place in which all people can feel respected and valued regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, culture, religion, and abilities.

The Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King stayed.

Photo Credit Parker Sciortino