With the recent celebration of the 41st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an opportunity arises to reflect on the significance of this federal holiday.
Established to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this day acts as a reminder of the continuous struggle for civil justice in the United States and around the world.
King was a man who gained notoriety for being a part of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and many other protests during the civil rights movement.
His stance against racism was key to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed by former U.S. President Lyndon Johnson.
It outlawed segregation in public places and made it illegal to discriminate based on color, national origin, race, religion, and sex.
Yet, the importance of the holiday goes beyond a single individual.
Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day encourages reflection on the progress that has been made; however, it also reminds others of the work still necessary to achieve full equality.
Although the effort is there.
This is apparent through programs such as the American Civil Liberties Union or the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Closer to home, even Pennsylvania has the Department of Human Services Office of Equity and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
Two organizations that focus on prohibiting discrimination in employment and building communities, respectively.
As people worldwide honor King’s legacy, remember that strides are being made every day towards reaching his dream of a world where everyone is judged by their character rather than by their appearance.
