This past Monday, the entire nation celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day that remembers the life and the work of Martin Luther King Jr. Most of the people consider it just a day off, but the day is much more than that. It is a chance to think about equality, justice, and what each of us can do to improve our neighborhoods. It is a day to pay tribute to a man who was certain that change would come if people joined hands and worked peacefully together.

King was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement that took place in the U.S. during the 1950s and 60s. His activism consisted mostly of rallies, marches, and public speaking, all of which were nonviolent. He was a figure of unity and empathy rather than anger or hate. His famous “I Have a Dream” speech was delivered in 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington. In that speech, he painted a picture of a time when only character would judge a person, and skin color would not matter at all. Today his message continues to inspire by emphasizing that hope and action can go together.

MLK Day also serves as a reminder of not only the past but the present and the future, too. Even though a lot of legal changes have occurred since King’s days, African Americans are still suffering from inequality and injustice in one way or another. The day encourages people to take a closer look at their own lives and communities and ask how they might be able to make a difference. Dr. King believes that regular people everywhere would be able to make a serious change, not just world leaders. Every little act like speaking up against injustice, giving a helping hand, or simply being friendly and understanding, contributes to a better, more equal world.

MLK Day is celebrated in many ways throughout the U.S. Some people prefer to donate their time at the local food banks, while others do neighborhood cleanups, or participate in parades or rallies in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Usually, schools will have special classes dedicated to this day, watch a movie about him, or hold an assembly for students to learn about the civil rights issues of equality. Families sometimes watch a movie, read a book, or work on a history project involving Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. All of these help people understand the importance of the work of Martin Luther King Jr.

To students, MLK Day is an opportunity to think about how we connect with our peers and what we might do to stand up for what is right in this world. Change isn’t something that happens on its own, it happens when people care enough to get out and make a difference. Whether this means being inclusive in our schools or simply being kind, which is what Dr. King strived for.

Ultimately, the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. is not remembered through books of history alone but through the decisions that we make daily. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an important holiday because it reminds us of the importance of fairness, bravery, and equality, which are values that everyone has.