Culture Corner: Martin Luther King Jr Day

Martin Luther King Jr was an American Baptist minister, activist, and political philosopher. He is known as one of the most prominent leaders of the civil rights movement. We celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day on January 15 or Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday. We celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day because of the significant impact Martin Luther King Jr had on African American peoples freedom. Furthermore, Martin Luther King Jr is considered a significant individual for his role in leading the March on Washington, his powerful delivery of the “I Have a Dream” speech, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and his relentless promotion for the civil and economic rights of African American people. He also was celebrated for being the youngest person to ever win a Nobel Peace Prize

Additionally, after the March on Washington in August of 1963 the civil rights act of 1964 was passed on July 2nd 1964. The civil rights act prohibited any and all discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The basis of this act was to prohibit and reduce discrimination in hiring, promoting, and firing all people.

We observe Martin Luther King Jr Day as a way to honor and acknowledge the commitment we have to create a brighter future for all people regardless of race.