Taking a look back at some of the people who made a difference in society by advocating and fighting for civil rights, we honor Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Day (MLK day) is a national holiday to honor his life and legacy, celebrated on the third Monday of January. According to Americorps, MLK Day is presently the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.
King was born on Jan. 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia with the name Michael King Jr., but later he changed his first name to Martin. King was actively involved in his community growing up, with his father being a pastor and in time he became co-pastor. In 1954, King became a member of the executive committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
After focusing on theological studies and being a part of committees, he became the change African Americans and the world needed, often compared to the anti-colonist, social activist Mahatma Gandhi.
The bus boycott of 1955 was greatly organized by King and was the first large demonstration against segregation.
African Americans refused to ride buses in Montgomery, Alabama to protest segregation seating. The lack of African Americans riding the bus ultimately hit companies hard, with it being stated that the Montgomery City Lines lost between 30,00 and 40,00 bus fares each day.
The boycott lasted over a year – specifically 382 days. During this period, King was arrested, abused and his home town was bombed. Yet by 1956, the Supreme Court declared that segregation on buses was unconstitutional.
Between the years of 1957 and 1968, King traveled and spoke publicly in areas where there was injustice. During these years King led a protest with a large crowd and it caught the entire world’s attention. He gave his famous “I had a dream speech” after peacefully marching at Washington D.C. with over 250,000 people.
His powerful and soulful speech called for an end to racism and equal civil and economic rights in the United States. He stood with the African American community but wanted a change for the country.
Despite the fact he only lived to be 39 years old, King was looked at as a leader to the black community after he endured all the fights, arrests and abuse. Needless to say, his legacy and courage continue to live today.
In 2020, our country became increasingly more divided with displays of racial injustice and many look at Martin Luther King Jr.’s pursuits and reflect on how he would feel about today’s events. But, let us not forget that King was assassinated during a march in Tennessee in 1968 and people of all races are now able to sit wherever they choose to sit on a bus.
Sinclair is hosting a virtual march called “MLK Day Volunteer Virtual March” on Monday, Jan. 18. Each year people march to show they believe in each other.
Join Sinclair in the first ever MLK march. For this event, take a selfie or create a small video wearing Sinclair gear if you would like, and post it on social media using the hashtag #SCCMLK2. In your picture or video make a sign to encourage your community, friends and followers to promote peace and social and racial injustice.
Jennifer Tellez
Reporter