Looking Back: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

For the first time in history, on Jan. 20, 1986, the United States celebrated the birth, life, and work of Martin Luther King Jr. This year, the celebration falls on Jan. 17, 2011, and the holiday is scheduled for the third Monday of January. Much like other federal holidays, the nation's banks, schools, and federal agencies are closed to commemorate the day. There is less in the news these days regarding the holiday, but during its first several years, much attention was paid to this important acknowledgment. Like Presidents' Day, it is now taken for granted, although not in a negative sense.

Holiday Recognition

It took 15 years for this holiday to come into existence with a bill, having passed with a vote of 338 to 90 in the House, signed by President Ronald Reagan on Nov. 2, 1983. There was ample controversy surrounding the declaration of the holiday and many who opposed it. In the years since, we have come to honor the day in the same way as other federal holidays. This year, as in past years, there is a theme to the celebration.

Last year's theme was " Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not A Day Off!!" The Corporation for National and Community Service, which maintains a website Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, is what popularized it. The holiday is unique in that it is used the holiday as a touchstone to encourage people to commit to public service in the cause of issues related to the work of Martin Luther King Jr.

The Nation's Movement

We have not, as a nation, moved much in the direction of the nation that Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of in his visions in any real way. Yes, we have officially recognized the equality of all people with laws and public opinion, but, sadly, we are still a polarized society and the class war rages on.

The recent mass shooting in Arizona that left six dead and 13 wounded, including a congresswoman and a federal judge, has spurred a controversy regarding potential allegations of culpability for "fanning the flames." The fact that gun sales increased in the aftermath of the recent shooting is what I believe Rev. Dr. King would take note of.

Honoring in Philadelphia

On a website called Service Nation, there is a listing of events that honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day in local areas. In Philadelphia, 70,000 people are expected to participate in 1,200 projects to benefit the community. The last update to the site shows 183 people have signed up for the various projects, far less than 70,000. The general tone of the city-and the nation is- "we would if we could but life is too hard and we are too busy." For most, it is just another day off.

We have passed ground-breaking laws protecting civil rights but refuse to allow a health care system that provides health care rather than selling it to those who can pay. Publicly, race relations are better, but we are still a stratified nation. We are still a divided house and President Lincoln warned of what happens to "...a house divided against itself."

We know what his dream was and have made great efforts to create the appearance of that dream's importance, but we have a long way to go toward the nation that Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned and dedicated his life to.

Sources:
"The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday," Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on the Net

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service," MLKDay.gov
"Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service," Service Nation