As we look ahead to this long weekend, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the reason why we have it as a federal holiday.
Every third Monday in January, we have the privilege of celebrating the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Born Michael (his first name was later changed to Martin) King, Jr. in 1934 and often known as the Drum Major for Justice, Dr. King was a profound voice and presence in the Civil Rights Movement. He fought for equality and equity for all people, including the poor and other underserved communities. His concept of a Beloved Community was one where society is built on justice, equity, and unconditional love.
While a person of means, Dr. King worked to live below his economic status to demonstrate his commitment to those who struggled financially, often purchasing multiples of the same suits and shoes to make it appear that he was wearing the same clothes on a more frequent basis. And he vowed to use his intellect as a tool to articulate the needs of others. He was arrested more times than any other participant in the Civil Rights Movement and brought together communities across the nation.
He was also a polarizing figure, rising to the FBI’s Most Wanted list, loathed by J. Edgar Hoover, and heavily critiqued by other African American leaders who wanted to choose reciprocal action over non-violent direct action.
King’s most popular speech, I Have a Dream, happened by accident during the March on Washington. He was primed to speak about labor as one of the last speakers of the march. It was only when his dear friend and renowned gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson, shouted, “Tell ‘em about your dream, Martin”, that he shifted and began to share his dream.
His assassination in 1968 was a blow to the nation and the world. But his wife and co-laborer, Coretta Scott King, worked tirelessly to preserve his legacy. Because of her undaunted efforts as a Civil Rights Leader, and her commitment to her husband’s legacy, she founded the King Center in Atlanta, GA, and Sweet Auburn (the avenue where King was raised) is a historic landmark. King’s church, Ebenezer Baptist Church, is still operational and also open to visits. That church is also where, months after King’s assassination, his mother was also assassinated while playing the piano during church service.
In 1982, Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law that Martin Luther King Jr Day was a federal holiday, but the first nationwide observation was not until 1986. Virginia used to recognize the day as Lee-Jackson-King Day until 2000, when Governor Jim Gilmore signed a bill separating the holiday.
King’s Day is designed to be a day of service or at least a day of deep reflection on how we can help bring his idea of the Beloved Community to life. As Dragons, we are committed to being the embodiment of several of those principles through our implementation of the Walker Way and our relentless commitment to all those we serve.
Several celebrations are happening this weekend to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, including a service at Henrico High School on Monday at 11:30 AM, which I will be attending. Feel free to join me.
May this weekend be filled with peace, love, and reflections on how you can advance the efforts of Dr. King in your own way.
Yours in service,
Robinette D. Cross, MLWGS Teacher, Social Studies Dept.
