Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. carried the legacy of being one of the greatest activists of all time, but one who lost his life for taking the role of a fearless leader. As we approach what is known as “Martin Luther King Jr. Day,” the historical significance of this holiday touches the hearts of so many and represents a larger idea than celebrating progress towards the end of minority discrimination. It highlights not only the bravery of those who endured years on end of pain, suffering, and degradement but honors the man who spoke out and made a difference.

One of the bravest men in history, like so many minorities in the past and present, was faced with the pressing issue of racial discrimination. What separated him from the rest was his ability to hone in on what needed to change, and dedicate his life to strive and make a difference. 

On August 28th, 1963, King delivered a message that to this day, has a reigning impact on the hearts of so many. In his “I Have a Dream” speech, King called for equality and freedom while protesting the immense discrimination and civil injustice that African Americans were faced with. King’s impactful words still sit with us today.

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed — we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”

King Jr. refused to live his life in fear. He was faced with threats, potential jailing, and violence throughout his battle for civil rights. King put all of this aside though and made it clear to the world that he had one goal: to see people of all races come together in peace and impartiality.

“When we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men, and white men, Jews, and Gentiles, Protestants, and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: ‘Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

I believe King would be proud but not satisfied with the progress made since his era. Today, it is blatant that our country is still working towards total equality and justice, but it lies true that the pain of the past will never be erased, and can never be forgotten.

On April 4th, 1968, King’s fearless journey came to an end by assassination, but not before making his everlasting impact on the country, and conveying his “dreams” for everyone to hear. King’s undeniable leadership and the messages he was able to get across still resonate with us today.