By: Harrison He
Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) is one of the most important American figures to this day, and every second monday of January day of remembrance for his contributions to the nation. History classes around the nation study his famous March on Washington, and his “I have a Dream” speech has been listened to millions of times. Many students take note of this date because it is a day off from school, but to several others it means a lot more.
For Pioneer Sophomore Malcolm Vinson, MLK Day is a special holiday that rivals the importance of any other holiday. “[MLK] shaped American society; he basically set the standard for how we live today,” said Vinson.
“Without him, many of us wouldn’t be celebrating Christmas or Thanksgiving in ways we do today. The Civil Rights Movement likely wouldn’t have moved forward [as much as it did] and I really don’t know what the other holidays would be like.”
Vinson spent MLK Day listening to a speech given by Hill Harper, an African American actor and author influenced by the teachings of MLK. Harper spoke at an MLK Day symposium at the University of Michigan’s Hill Auditorium for Michigan’s annual Day of Remembrance. Hill Auditorium was where King himself spoke in 1962. In his speech, Harper called for everyone to act for freedom, justice, and equality, and emphasized that the power to change society lies in the people themselves. “It was really motivational,” said Vinson.
Pioneer Sophomore Austin Jacobs spent his day in a similar fashion to Vinson’s, also learning more about the progress brought by MLK. “I watched a documentary (The Man and the Dream) about how to end racism and all the stuff MLK did for us,” said Jacobs.
Jacobs believes that King should be appreciated more for his actions. “There’s a day off school for a reason,” he said.
Whether students heavily celebrated MLK for his achievements or simply enjoyed the day off school, most students agree that King was one of the greatest contributors to America as a whole. Some say that if King were alive today, equality would be further promoted throughout the country. “I wish MLK was still alive,” said Jacobs.
Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) is one of the most important American figures to this day, and every second monday of January day of remembrance for his contributions to the nation. History classes around the nation study his famous March on Washington, and his “I have a Dream” speech has been listened to millions of times. Many students take note of this date because it is a day off from school, but to several others it means a lot more.
For Pioneer Sophomore Malcolm Vinson, MLK Day is a special holiday that rivals the importance of any other holiday. “[MLK] shaped American society; he basically set the standard for how we live today,” said Vinson.
“Without him, many of us wouldn’t be celebrating Christmas or Thanksgiving in ways we do today. The Civil Rights Movement likely wouldn’t have moved forward [as much as it did] and I really don’t know what the other holidays would be like.”
Vinson spent MLK Day listening to a speech given by Hill Harper, an African American actor and author influenced by the teachings of MLK. Harper spoke at an MLK Day symposium at the University of Michigan’s Hill Auditorium for Michigan’s annual Day of Remembrance. Hill Auditorium was where King himself spoke in 1962. In his speech, Harper called for everyone to act for freedom, justice, and equality, and emphasized that the power to change society lies in the people themselves. “It was really motivational,” said Vinson.
Pioneer Sophomore Austin Jacobs spent his day in a similar fashion to Vinson’s, also learning more about the progress brought by MLK. “I watched a documentary (The Man and the Dream) about how to end racism and all the stuff MLK did for us,” said Jacobs.
Jacobs believes that King should be appreciated more for his actions. “There’s a day off school for a reason,” he said.
Whether students heavily celebrated MLK for his achievements or simply enjoyed the day off school, most students agree that King was one of the greatest contributors to America as a whole. Some say that if King were alive today, equality would be further promoted throughout the country. “I wish MLK was still alive,” said Jacobs.