Across the nation, many workers have this upcoming Monday off. While this extra day off might seem logical to continue our relationship with our beloved Netflix shows, it might also be a good time to take a moment and to think about why we were given this day of remembrance.
Why do we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. day, do you ask? Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) day was established to celebrate not just ife, but the birthday of a man whose vision and sacrifice changed the way our country not only thinks, but acts as well.
King, who was the spokesperson for the Civil Rights Movement, was one man. A man who one day in August, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial, shared with us his vision and what it means to be truly free. You can hear Dr. King in his own words and his voice in the audio transmission.
The entire speech is worth listening to, and worth holding onto. One of the most memorable passages from King was:
“I say to you today, my friend. And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal."
This MLK day, take a moment not only to be grateful for King’s message, but to remember his ideals, and ask yourself what you think it means to be truly free? How can you apply those beliefs, those thoughts, and turn them into actions that can bring us closer not as Americans, but human beings. What can we do to encourage, teach, and to protect equality in our own circles? (While maintaining social distancing, of course.)
During his speech, King also said:
“...When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the “unalienable Rights” of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Yes, you read correctly, the very roots that uphold our country’s standards were written with freedom and equality in mind, regardless of skin color.
Reflect. What do Dr. King’s words mean to you? Respect. Realize that not one, but a great many lives were lost fighting for the chance to be considered equal. Remember: one of the most disrespectful things we can do is to forget the lessons that our forefathers have taught us, the rights they have given us and fought so hard to turn their visions of equality into reality.
Last but not least, challenge yourself to make a difference not only in thought, but also in action. GW has implemented a Day of Service and Leadership workshop. Open to all GW students, staff and faculty members, the Virtual Service and Workshops will be on a variety of topics that will help you better engage your GW, DC, and hometown communities in service.
The event takes place on Monday, January 18th, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. Registration is limited, so sign up early!
Be safe, be healthy, and treat others as you wish to be treated. Wishing you a memorable MLK day this year from the Himmelfarb Library.
