I Have a Dream: The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday celebrated every year on the third Monday of January. This year it was celebrated on 16 January. It honors the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King. The day not only symbolizes King’s legacy but also promotes non-violent advocacy for rights and encourages individuals to join public service. It continues to represent hope and healing in America.
King was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta. He was named Michael King Jr. at birth. In 1934, when his father travelled to Germany and was inspired by a Protestant Reformation leader, Martin Luther King Sr. changed his own and his young son’s name to Martin Luther King. King came from a family of Baptist Ministers. He enrolled in college at the age of fifteen and pursued a degree in Sociology. Although he was uninterested in following the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he was convinced otherwise by the president of his college, a respected theologian. He was ordained before graduating from college. He subsequently attended Divinity school in Pennsylvania and later went on to pursue a Ph.D. He received his Ph.D. degree in 1955.
After receiving his degree, King became involved in the movement against racism. He began participating in a non-violent movement to end deeply engrained racial segregation. His first speech, “Give Us the Ballot” on voting rights in 1957 brought him to the forefront of the civil rights movement. His subsequent speech, “I Have a Dream” is one of history’s most powerful and impactful speeches delivered. The speech inspired thousands of Americans to demand for civil rights. The Letter to Birmingham was yet another influential piece of work by King that propelled Americans to stand up against injustice. Through the course of his civil rights leadership, King went to jail 29 times. He tirelessly pursued the path of non-violence in his quest for a more tolerant, just, and equal society. He was assassinated in 1986 at the age of 39 years. The contributions of King eventually led to the passing of the Civil Rights Act, 1964.
King is revered by many for his work. His leadership in the civil rights movement and fight for equality continue to be remembered by the country. He is one of the only three people after whom a holiday has been declared in the United States. The federal holiday was declared in his honor in 1983 under the administration of President Ronald Reagan. It was adopted by the 50 states gradually. There was some resistance by some states against adopting the holiday. However, following persistent and strong advocacy, the states relented and signed in the day as a state holiday.
Even after decades, there is much to be learnt from King’s work. His non-violent ways and his relentless pursuit for justice have lessons for us to learn. While we have achieved formal equality, systematic oppression continues to persist. It is crucial to stand up against the deeply entrenched racism and other forms of oppression. While King laid the foundation for civil rights, the work is not finished. We still have a long way to go. I have a dream, that we will make America great.
Sources:
1. https://www.history.com/news/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-martin-luther-king-jr
2. https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/how-martin-luther-king-jr-s-birthday-became-a-holiday-
3. https://www.naacpldf.org/press-release/reflecting-on-the-legacy-of-dr-martin-luther-king-jr/3
The “Did You Know?” section is brought to you by the CILP Program Assistants team covering various topics on social justice issues. This week’s author is Srianusha Thotakura.