Why we celebrate MLK Day
January 19, 2022
As you may know, Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Day is Monday, January 17th. The holiday has become a federal holiday and was first celebrated on January 20, 1986. We celebrate this day to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and remember his heroic acts for the African American communities.
Some of the things he accomplished for the African American communities, included helping with equality by peacefully protesting for the community. He gave passionate speeches and one of these speeches is most popularly known as the ” I have a dream speech”. This speech is directed towards equality and freedom and inspired hundreds of thousands of people across the globe to protest for change.
People decided they wanted a holiday for Martin to remind people of his heroic deeds. “After the holiday bill became law, the King Center gained congressional support to establish a King Federal Holiday Commission, which introduced a variety of commemorative activities, including tree planting ceremonies and the distribution of posters, newsletters, and guides citing the principles of King’s nonviolence teachings.” On this day, West students should try to find community activities to spread Dr. King’s teachings.