by Martin Zazueta
On the third Monday of January the national holiday of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. birthday is observed. What does this mean for us, besides a 3-day weekend? This day represents the memory of the man whose leadership, charisma, and advocation of non-violence protest allowed the modern civil rights movement to gain national momentum.
It started in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955 where an organize black civil rights group set up for Rosa Parks to be arrested for refusing to move to the back of a segregated bus. This set up allowed for a wave of protesters, led by Dr. King, who was 26 at the time (being born on January 15, 1929), to boycott the Montgomery bus system.
The successful boycott led to various more demonstrations such marches and public speaking, most famous was his "I Have A Dream" speech on Washington D.C. in 1963. These demonstrations would often lead to violence from law enforcement. Despite this, Dr. King continued to support peaceful protest. In fact, Dr. King's various awards include the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize.
The legacy of Dr. King's work will live on through all the advancements of minorities in this nation. Unfortunately in 1968 Dr. King was shot in a Memphis, Tennessee motel by recently escaped convict James Earl Ray. Ironically, just days earlier King had given a speech on how he was not afraid of death or any man. Due to his long and bold efforts in 1986, Congress established Martin Luther King Day in honor of his birthday (January 15).
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