Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.

Happy Birthday Dr. King!

Through your words, hope rings.

A revolutionary, a visionary, a dreamer.

Preaching equality to make our world a bit sweeter.

Hope. Calling for judgements of character,

Rather than a passing inspector

Deeming our worth based on the color of our skin.

No. We are all kin.

One community.

In your honor, let us show our children human dignity.

Thank you, Dr. King, for leaving us your legacy.

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I cannot imagine a world without the influence of Martin Luther King Jr. I have been blessed with the opportunity to pursue an education with people who do not look like me, whether they are white, black, Latino, Asian, or another beautiful ethnicity. Today in America, pools are not segregated, discrimination is banned in the workplace, and mixed babies are becoming more and more common. These changes are thanks to everyone who fought for and supported the Civil Rights Movement, including Dr. King.

This year, his day of remembrance falls directly on the anniversary of his birthday, January 15. This day serves as a reminder for us to value our neighbors based on who they are, not what they look like. I hope Dr. King is not turning in his grave with the recent cases of police brutality against black Americans–cases both reported and hidden in the dark. This day comes at a critical time in our history, a time where black men are shot and left to bleed to death in the street. A time where America, a land of immigrants, no longer welcomes people from other lands–whether they were DACA recipients or Salvadoran refugees. Families are being torn apart, and people are afraid. Now, more than ever, we must remember the dream.

We must remember the words Dr. King spoke to the world over half a century ago, words imploring us to create a great nation where all creeds, religions, and races can join hands in harmony. King believed we would all be free one day, and left this vision for the following generations to complete. It is up to us to look past our differences and never forget this message no matter how far we progress or regress, and no matter how difficult or easy things become. Complacency is not an option. Is is up to us to embrace positive change and never give up. Never give up. Our dream is waiting.