Monday, Jan. 19, is a national holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day; a day set aside and dedicated to King's life and legacy.
Martin Luther King Jr. is commonly recognized for the role he played during the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s. Many also recall his famous statement, “I have a dream.” This speech was given in the march in Washington, DC, on Aug. 28, 1963. In the speech, King called for civil and economic rights.
“I have a dream ... little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers,” said King as he urged an end to legalized racism and segregation in the United States.
Aside from his role in the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr. did much more for his community. Before his role as a political activist, King always had a desire to progress through his talents of public speaking, his knowledge in education and his Christian faith.
BYU's Black Student Union (BSU) celebrated the holiday with a Walk of Life event and service. Jason Nouanounou, BSU's vice president, helped organize the events of the day.
“Not a day off, but I think it'll be a day on. To do something different and to really hone in and … focus more on serving (others) rather than serving ourselves,” Nouanounou said.
“I think it's just a day focused on loving all of God's children,” Olivia Hoban, a BYU student who attended the events, said.
During his time in the civil rights movement, King promoted justice, peace and equality.
This helped many African Americans at the time, as well as future generations, express their voice.
“I would say that it's important for the Black Student Union to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day on campus, because of his legacy," Nouanounou said. "I think that we possess a unique stewardship as members of the black community. I think we owe it to the sacrifices that he made."
“MLK Day is one of the few days we have here on the BYU campus where we are celebrating civil rights and … celebrating a black hero,” Janelle Dadson, the co-advertising chair for BSU, shared.
Some may ask, 'Why the holiday?' The movement for the federal holiday started in 1968 after King's assassination. This went on to be a 15-year-long campaign. The bill was later signed into law by former President Ronald Reagan in 1983, and first celebrated nationally in 1986.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day’s purpose is to celebrate his legacy, promote education, spread peace and dedicate a day to service.
BYU’s celebrations reinforce the truth that as children of God, their responsibility to love, serve, and stand with one another extends far beyond a single day.
“There is a lot of joy that can be found in remembering that we are all on the same team," Nouanounou said. "There are great rewards in recognizing the value, and the perspectives that everyone brings to the table, and of course, their innate spiritual identity, as children of God.”
