Live Thoughtfully, This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Since 2000, all fifty states have celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which was established in 1986. The third Monday of January, it celebrates the life and work of a Nobel Peace Prize winning activist man who was inspiring to so many, who helped to carry along an important cause that is still an issue today in many parts of the country and the world. Equality for all is something we continue to work toward.

Martin Luther King, Jr. used nonviolent protest methods to get the attention of lawmakers and everyone else. He felt (rightly so) that black men, women, and children should have equal rights and be treated equally to whites.

In my town, many people are taking on service projects to observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Others may rewatch his “I Have a Dream” speech. Regardless, take some time today to teach your children about what MLK, Jr. stood for and the difference he made in the fight for civil rights. While very young kids may not grasp the entire meaning of his speeches, with a little context from you any school-age child can get something out of hearing “I Have a Dream,” and those a little older will be moved by what I call his “Mountaintop” speech, the one he made the night before he was assassinated. It was almost prophetic.

Be kind and accepting of your fellow human beings. Not just for today, but always.