January 17, 2022, was Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This holiday has been celebrated on the third Monday of January since 1986. The holiday honors the legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Yesterday many Americans had the day off from work and school, including PCCS students and staff. Many Americans honor Dr. King’s legacy and celebrate the holiday by participating in a variety of different community service activities. 

Each year my family and I celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr Day by participating in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk in Southfield, Michigan. This Walk began in 1986 to commemorate the first observance of the national Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Each year, we walk from my church, Hope United Methodist Church to the Southfield Civic Center where we listen to speakers.  

Growing up, I always heard about Dr. King’s dream and I saw the videos from his march on Washington, D.C. in August of 1963. However, I did not fully understand how courageous this man was until I got older and learned more about his life. During the time when Dr. King lived, American Society was segregated. In other words, whites and blacks were treated differently. He was arrested 27 times.