Students often wake up on Monday, January 19, in a cheerful mood because they get an extra day to sleep in. For some students, Martin Luther King Day is just a holiday in which students are happy to have a break from school. This year, students at Lewis Cass do not get this day off because of a snow makeup day. But, why do students normally get this day off from school? What is the reason behind MLK Day?
Martin Luther King Jr. was known for his contributions to the Civil Rights movement for African Americans and equality for all people. According to Parents.com writer Christine Michel Carter, MLK Jr. dedicated his life to achieving racial equality and justice for all people. King led peaceful marches and protests that included adults and even young children. His first major protest sparked after Rosa Parks’ arrest in 1955, after which King led the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Dr. King is well known for his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech given in 1963, where he addressed over 250,000 people for civil rights. This speech demanded civil rights for African Americans and put an end to racism. This speech continues to be shown yearly in schools to deliver a powerful message against racism and injustice.
With all this being said, it is obvious why Martin Luther King Jr. deserves his own official federal holiday. MLK Day is celebrated around King’s birthday every year, which is January 15. It is always located on the third Monday of every January each year to celebrate King’s contribution to Civil Rights and to honor his rich legacy.
Unless someone needs to go to the post office, bank, courthouse, work, or school (sigh), they are in luck. On a person’s day off, they could choose an activity to partake in to celebrate and honor MLK. In Indiana, many community events are happening on MLK Day or around that day. If one happens to be in Fort Wayne on January 22, according to Indianatech.edu, the university is honoring Mr. King by holding a celebration and discussing how MLK “continues to guide our pursuit of justice and unity in today’s ever-changing world.”
Additionally, the Civil Rights Commission states that the Indiana Statehouse will hold a celebration to honor King as well. State leaders will be involved with the celebration, along with community members and the public. This year’s program will feature uplifting remarks, a musical performance, and a special wreath presentation by the alumni chapter, Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Closer to home, Indiana University, Kokomo, will celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday with campus events, including library displays and activities. There will be guest speakers, skill-building, and community service activities. Cass County has yet to post any events to celebrate MLK, but last year, the Cass County Democrats hosted a social event to honor King; this took place at Science Project Brewery in Logansport.
Whether Lewis Cass students get a day off or not, it is always important to remember why we have the day off-to honor Martin Luther King’s legacy in making the world a better, more unified place.
