Martin Luther King, Jr. was a baptist preacher who acted as a leader in the civil rights movement during the ‘50s and ‘60s and was eventually given a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in 1964.  A national holiday dedicated to him is celebrated every year on the third Monday of January, which is typically close to King’s birthday. In 2024, it took place on Jan. 15, his birthday.

During his lifetime,  he led a nonviolent resistance movement against racial segregation and advocated for what he believed in through marches, rallies, and speeches.  

“I remember learning about Martin Luther King, Jr. as a kid, and I was always so inspired by him advocating for all of the minorities in America.  I think his story is so interesting and amazing that I would love to do something like that one day,” said sophomore Alanna LaMorte.

He was known for his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, in which he advocated for racial equality.  In his iconic speech, he describes the founding promises of America (freedom, equality, and justice for all) and protests the nation’s failure to keep those promises, particularly to Black Americans during the  segregation era.

Millions of people throughout our country gather together to celebrate and honor the work that Martin Luther King, Jr. did for our country to establish equality for everyone.  Luckily, most schools and businesses provide a day off for people to celebrate this holiday, so they can experience the many different exhibits, museums, and special events dedicated to it.

One of the most popular ways to honor this day is by attending an authentic gospel choir concert.  The famous Harlem Gospel Choir, which was founded in 1986 as a result of an MLK, Jr. Day celebration, presents an annual performance with the best \ singers from Black churches in and around Harlem.  This choir has also been featured on many shows like the Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert and Good Morning America.

“As someone who really enjoys singing, I have heard a couple of the Harlem Gospel Choir’s performances, and I truly think that there is something special within them.  Their music is so captivating to listen to,” said sophomore Tori Kaufman. 

Another great thing to do for this holiday is to go to a museum and learn about Martin Luther King, Jr.  The Brooklyn Children’s Museum features interactive activities to honor his life.  Throughout the weekend of MLK day, activities will include shadow puppet performances produced by visual artist Nehprii Amenii, music and protest marching with Brooklyn-based musician Fyütch, community art-making projects, and more.  

“I loved going to museums like this one as a kid.  I always learned so many interesting things, and I would for sure love to go there sometime soon,” said sophomore Alivia Saunders.

While we do get the Monday off from school or work, it is important to spend some time thinking about what Martin Luther King, Jr. did for this country.  On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, multiple individuals and families are taking trips to an afternoon of nature education programs being hosted in the Prospect Park Audubon Center.