Today, Jan. 15, is the celebration of the life of a true American hero... it's Martin Luther King Day.Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a political activist and Christian minister that famously led the American civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
In 1955, after Rosa Parks famously refused to give up her seat and was subsequently arrested, King led the 382 day Montgomery Bus Boycott. The boycott ended with a Supreme Court decision that totally banned segregation on all public transportation.
King continued to passively lead the fight against racial discrimination in the United States for the rest of his life, leading marches and protests across the country, promoting equality, and even speaking out against the Vietnam war.
He was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
In 1964, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his teachings of non-violence and equality. Nine years after King's death, President Jimmy Carter posthumously awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, reminds us that we recently lost the beloved leader's wife, Coretta Scott King.
If you are looking for something productive and meaningful to do on this day off of work or school, Dallas South Blog has a few suggestions, including the 26th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration, sponsored by the City of Dallas, and a sermon preached by Rev. Jesse Jackson.This is the first year that we’ll recognize Martin Luther King Day since the death of Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Mrs. King and I were friends and confidants for many years. She was an incredible woman – graceful and dignified – who showed strength in the face of indignation and tragedy.
Following Dr. King’s assassination, she continued his legacy promoting social and economic justice for all. Mrs. King was determined to make his dream a reality. And we would not be celebrating the legacy of Dr. King today without her contributions.
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