Martin Luther King Jr. is not only an inspiration to all the world, but also an incredible role model for people who are fighting oppression and injustices in their own lives. However, in today’s world, instead of a holiday to celebrate the accomplishments of King and his fight for equality for all of the United States, many people see it as a day off and not as a remembrance for one of the greatest American civil rights activists.

America is a country built on the oppression of certain people in order for others to gain status and power. Whether it be the inconsideration of Native Americans’ land by the original settlers of the Americas or the treatment of slaves by our founding fathers, white people have used others as a stepping stool for their own gain. With a past like this, it is extremely important to have a day where America can celebrate the lives of social activists and reflect on how to create an entirely equal society. This does not mean create a communist regime with shouts of “Down with Democracy,” but create a society of equal opportunities for all no matter their social status, sexual orie

ntation, race or religion.

Luckily, thanks to King and past American activists, there are no more Jim Crow laws, lynching is no longer common and under law no one can be discriminated due to sex, race, religion, color or national origin. America has come a long way in terms of civil rights considering less than 200 years ago slavery was legal. This holiday is important to remember the struggle of those activists who work for the benefits of the oppressed. Even though America has come a long way in terms of the laws because of these activists, racism is a daily struggle for many Americans.

The constitution of the United States of America says that all men are created equal. However, nearly everyday in America someone is being taken advantage of or is mistreated because of their gender, race or religion. Even though King did so much to push the government to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964, there is still a lot of systemic injustices that prevent the equality for all that the Constitution promises.

Especially now with the massive amounts of protests against the mistreatment of African Americans, it is important to look at the example King has given for peaceful protests. Many protests, including the National Football League kneeling and Black Lives Matter, model the peaceful protest that King wanted for the civil rights movement. Taking his model to further protests on equality is extremely important. A violent protest does nothing to help a cause, but create more tension between the protesters and the opponent.

The most important part of King’s holiday is to further the conversation to create an equal society for all Americans no matter their race, religion or ethnic background. This needs to be at the forefront of conversations about Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year. Instead of going out with friends on the extra day off, go volunteer or learn more about the civil rights leader giving you the day off.