EEvery year, on the third Monday in January, schools across the nation have a day off. This day is dedicated to remembering civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, who worked to end racial discrimination and promote equality. This national holiday is a good time for NDB students to honor Dr. King by doing something that involves fairness and service to the community. 

Most known for his “I Have A Dream” speech, King was a Baptist minister and civil rights leader who believed in sparking change through peaceful means. He wrote numerous books, led and organized peaceful protests and inspired many from his time to now.

In addition to his famous speech, which he delivered at the March on Washington, he led a protest against segregation on buses called the Montgomery Bus boycott and formed an organization called the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to organize other peaceful protests in the South. 

King’s work played a major role in passing two laws, the Civil Rights Act in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act in 1965. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan made “Martin Luther King Jr. Day” an official federal holiday.

King’s impact on the world was meaningful and a lot of progress has been made in ending racial discrimination. However, we must still acknowledge that racial inequality still exists today. NDB students can continue Dr. King’s work by learning about the importance of civil rights, engaging in peaceful protests when they see inequality and injustice, and participating in community service that promotes inclusion and justice for everyone.