Students often wake up on Monday, January 19, in a cheerful mood because they get an extra day to sleep in. For some students, Martin Luther King Day is just a holiday in which students are happy to have a break from school. This year, students at Lewis Cass do not get this day off because of a snow makeup day. But, why do students normally get this day off from school? What is the reason behind MLK Day?
Martin Luther King Jr. was known for his contributions to the Civil Rights movement for African Americans and equality for all people. According to Parents.com writer Christine Michel Carter, MLK Jr. dedicated his life to achieving racial equality and justice for all people. King led peaceful marches and protests that included adults and even young children. His first major protest sparked after Rosa Parks’ arrest in 1955, after which King led the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Dr. King is well known for his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech given in 1963, where he addressed over 250,000 people for civil rights. This speech demanded civil rights for African Americans and put an end to racism. This speech continues to be shown yearly in schools to deliver a powerful message against racism and injustice…