Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today!!!!!!!!
- jessetorres358
- Jan 19
- 3 min read
Updated: May 14
Martin Luther King Jr., who was born in 1929, in January 15.
Martin Luther King Day, a federal holiday, is observed on the third Monday of January. It commemorates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent American civil rights leader. He is best known for his work in advocating for racial equality in the United States and for his role in ending racial segregation on public transportation.
Martin Luther King Day, being a relatively new federal holiday, does not have numerous long-established traditions. It is viewed as a day to promote equal rights for all Americans, irrespective of their background. Some schools mark the occasion by educating students about Martin Luther King's life and the struggle against racism and racial segregation.
In several states, Martin Luther King Day—also known as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Martin Luther King's birthday—is merged with other holidays. For example, in Arizona and New Hampshire, it is celebrated alongside Civil Rights Day, while in Idaho, it coincides with Human Rights Day. In some states, it also aligns with Robert E. Lee's birthday. In Wyoming, this day is called Wyoming Equality Day.
Martin Luther King was a prominent civil rights leader who was instrumental in the American movement to end racial segregation. His most famous speech is the "I Have a Dream" address. As the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, he advocated for nonviolent protest. In 1968, he was assassinated.
Trade unions led the effort for the federal holiday after the initial bill was introduced. It gained approval in 1976. The bill became law in 1983, following a petition signed by six million people and the support generated by Stevie Wonder's single "Happy Birthday."
By signing the Declaration of Independence, they committed to a promissory note that all Americans would inherit. It was a promise that all men—both white and black—would be endowed with the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."
It is evident today that America has not lived up to this promise. Instead of honoring this significant obligation, America has given the Negroes a bad check, marked with "insufficient funds." People reject the notion that this nation's extensive opportunities are lacking in resources.
James Earl Ray, an American fugitive born on March 10, 1928, and who died on April 23, 1998, was convicted of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
Ray died at the age of seventy on April 23, 1998, at the Columbia Nashville Memorial Hospital in Madison, Tennessee, after spending twenty-nine years in prison. His death, which occurred just nineteen days after the thirtieth anniversary of King's assassination, was due to complications from kidney disease and liver failure caused by hepatitis C.
Photo From Wikipedia
Jerry, his brother, informed CNN that due to the government's treatment, his brother did not wish to be buried or have a final resting place in the United States. After his body was cremated, his ashes were taken to Ireland, the ancestral home of his maternal family.
Ray's motivation for killing King on April 4 was evidently driven by hatred. According to his family and friends, he was an overt racist who expressed to them his desire to kill King.
It's evident that many individuals can begin to relate to Ray at this stage. It's important for people to avoid repeating the mistakes Ray made. Although circumstances were different back then, people's mindsets remain unchanged.
Acknowledging the ongoing challenge of achieving environmental justice is crucial as we honor Dr. King. Communities of color and low-income groups are unfairly affected by climate change, pollution, and environmental harm, with gender further perpetuating cycles of poverty and health disparities.
Dr. King’s vision of a fair and equal society urges us to tackle the environmental issues that sustain injustice. By uniting and striving for transformation, we can pay tribute to his legacy and guarantee that future generations receive a world where justice genuinely triumphs—environmentally, socially, and economically.
Martin Luther King will always be remembered for his dedication to securing equal rights for all. It is essential for us to acknowledge each other's status and interact with love and kindness. Making wise choices in life is vital for leaving a lasting legacy, yet we often make mistakes and poor decisions.
Have a bless Martin Luther King Day. "Happy Birthday to him as well".
Story By Britney J Torres
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