Since 1986, the third Monday of January has been a national holiday to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. The importance of this day is not just another break from school but a way to keep his dream alive for generations to come. Through the hustle and bustle of day to day activities, many of us can forget the turmoil our country went through and the people who fought for its chance to be closer to racial equality. We can easily take for granted the sacrifices people like Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. took and the oppression he faced to achieve a dream that we get to live. Although equality in all sectors has not been fully reached, it has come a long way due to MLK’s contributions to racial justice.

In the wake of disparaging comments from our own president about immigration, it is evident that the fight for equality is far from over. The controversy over his alleged claim that he prefers immigrants from Norway over those from brown-skinned countries exacerbates and is more representative of the ongoing partisan divide in our country. It is our duty as citizens of the United States, believers in equality and democracy, to stand up for the protection of rights to life that all people are entitled to. Confronting the issues at the core of our nation is the only way we can further reach a state of equality.

This MLK Day, I encourage all of you to educate yourself about the topic of race in America, read some of Dr.King’s books and speeches, support organizations and groups fighting for racial justice, engage in service, and talk with those who have difficulties understanding the importance of racial justice and the systems oppressing minorities. Rather than just sleeping in today, find a way to bring King’s activism to life through various efforts.

As I reflect on his legacy, I am reminded of the Good Counsel motto that “in today’s world, the loving, good person – even alone – can make a difference.” With Dr. King as an inspiration and example, we can all try a little harder to make a difference in this world, whether it be in the ranging realms of sexism or racism. Inequality is not a reality that any of us should settle for because as a brave man once said, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Happy birthday, Dr. King!