This past Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, I took a trip to Memphis. While I was there for a martial arts tournament, I realized that since I was in the city of Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination on this specific weekend, I should go to some of the sites that honor him. I visited some of the main attractions, including the Lorraine Motel — the place Dr. King was assassinated — and the National Civil Rights Museum. Standing in front of the wreath-covered balcony where he was shot, I realized that the only reason I was able to take this trip was that we do not have school on Martin Luther King Jr. day. But, why is that? How does me competing in a martial arts tournament over the long weekend honor the legacy of Dr. King? Put simply, it doesn’t.
Martin Luther King Jr. day is a federal holiday, meaning that it has been recognized by the United States government. Government agencies and offices will be closed, and government employees will receive paid time off. Usually, public school districts also close for the day on federal holidays. However, they don’t have to. How are we honoring Dr. King’s legacy of service and fighting for justice and equality by waking up late and binge-watching TV all day? The problems that Dr. King was fighting have morphed and shifted into an entirely new set of problems that still need to be addressed.
In my opinion, Martin Luther King Jr. day should not be a day off of school; it should instead be a day of education and community service. Students should still be expected to attend school, but instead of going to regular classes, classes should operate in seminar-style meetings. The time can be used to educate about racism in today’s society and how we, as students, can find the resources and drive to continue to fight for equality. The time can also be used for service; students can choose local organizations and volunteer for them for the day. Or, if students feel comfortable, they can participate in locally organized marches. This year, a march happened in St. Louis from Wellston to Pine Lawn in North County — residents and community members continue to advocate for unfinished business in terms of racial equality.
Martin Luther King Jr. day should not be a day off of school — much more can be achieved to honor his legacy through intentional education and service rather than waking up at 1 p.m.
