The History Behind the Name: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Written by: Prashitha Kanipaku (‘29)

This month we all looked at our calendar and smiled. We all saw a three-day weekend, having Monday, January 19th off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Yet, we should remember why we recognized this day each year. This day is meant to honor the life and legacy of one of the most important civil rights leaders in American history. While many students may see this holiday as just a day off from school, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is meant to be much more than that. It is a time to reflect, learn, and think about how we can continue the work he started.

Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1929. From a young age, he experienced segregation and unfair treatment, including being separated from a childhood friend because of race. These early experiences deeply affected him and helped shape his understanding of injustice. They also helped inspire his lifelong commitment to fighting for equality and fairness for all people.

Through his education and leadership, King became a powerful voice for change. He earned advanced degrees and became a pastor, using his platform to speak out against racial injustice. Rather than responding to hate with hate, he believed in nonviolent protest as a way to create lasting change. His message showed that peaceful action, courage, and unity could challenge unfair systems and bring attention to important issues.

Dr. King played a major role in the civil rights movement, helping organize peaceful protests and inspiring millions with his words and actions. His leadership helped lead to important changes, including laws that ended segregation and protected voting rights. His famous speeches, including the “I Have a Dream” speech, continue to be studied and remembered because of their powerful message of hope, equality, and justice.

Although Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated in 1968, his legacy lives on. However, honoring his legacy is not just about remembering what he did in the past—it is also about how we choose to act today. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is often recognized as a day of service, reflection, and action. It challenges us to think about how we treat others and how we can make our school and community more inclusive and respectful.

Students can honor Dr. King’s legacy in many ways. This can include volunteering in the community, standing up for classmates who are treated unfairly, promoting kindness and inclusion, and educating ourselves about issues related to justice and equality. Even small actions like showing respect, listening to others, and speaking out when something is wrong can help continue the work Dr. King believed in.

There are many ways students can put Dr. King’s values into action right here at LHS:

• Participate in school service projects or community volunteer opportunities

• Join or support clubs like Black Student Union, International Alliance, Advocates for Innocence, and the Muslim Student Association that promote inclusion, leadership, and social justice

• Stand up for classmates and help create a welcoming environment for everyone

• Start conversations about fairness, kindness, and equality with friends and classmates

• Get involved in Student Council, Peer Leadership, and other groups to help make positive change

  
  

Martin Luther King Jr. Day reminds us that change does not only come from famous leaders, but also from everyday people who choose to do what is right. By reflecting on Dr. King’s life and living out his values, students have the power to make a difference. This holiday is not just a day off—it is a day on, a day to commit to building a more just and caring world.

To continue this work beyond January, please consider joining us to celebrate the 13th Annual Black History Celebration at LHS on Saturday, February 28th!