Being the Light

Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday celebrating the life and achievements of the civil rights leader who campaigned to end racial inequality in the United States. Recognized annually on the third Monday in January since 1986, the holiday observance marks its proximity to the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. 

Dr. King was steadfast in his mission of breaking barriers and proving that humanity is more than skin deep. King’s activism gained popularity, due to his emphasis on peaceful protests and nonviolent social change, proving that love and acceptance could

truly change the world.

Congressman, civil rights crusader and friend to Dr. King,  John Robert Lewis, said, “When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just--you have a moral obligation, you have a mission, a mandate--to speak up, to speak out. Nonviolence is the presence of justice.” King and Lewis stood side by side, shining a spotlight on the cruelty of racism in America. 

In conjunction with his nonviolent resistance, King is remembered most for his "I Have a Dream"; speech, which changed hearts and minds forever. On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, King began speaking of a future that pulled on every heartstring in attendance of 25,000 people. 

Due to his fervent hope of ending racial segregation and achieve equal rights, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 as well as being named Time magazine’s “Man of the Year."

During intense adversity and suffering is when we’re often reminded of how alike we are more than different from one another. In recent decades that has been evident amidst the tragedies of 9/11, the pandemic, horrific acts of violence against innocent people and numerous threats to our safety and security. It’s in those times that we are purposeful in finding the best way to stay safe and to promote the safety of others. If one of us is suffering, we all are suffering.  

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. so eloquently stated, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere…Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” We are encouraged to reflect on King's principles of racial equality and nonviolent social change, honoring his ideals, reaffirm a commitment to creating a better future, and to celebrate the legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. Division can begin to be remedied by walking together in unity and love. Thank you, Dr. King, for lighting the way.