When you think about Martin Luther King, Jr., the words justice, equality and bravery come to mind.

Dr. King, an American icon and leader in the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s, died more than 45 years ago, but his actions led to advances in civil rights that we have come to take for granted today.

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill creating a federal holiday to honor King on the third Monday in February, around the time of his birthday.

It was observed for the first time in 1986, but wasn’t done so in all 50 states until just 16 years ago.

This year we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., Day on Monday Jan. 18.

We encourage everyone this Monday to take some time to think about Martin Luther King, Jr., and the things he fought and ultimately died for.

Where does America stand on important topics like race relations and civil rights? Is the U.S. living up to the place Dr. King envisioned in his famous “I have a dream” speech?

These are all great questions that we can ask ourselves, our friends and our families as we reflect on his life next week.

Locally, the Niles branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will host a community fellowship breakfast in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The event, which is open to the entire community, will take place from 7 to 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, which is located at 601 Ferry St., in Niles.

The theme of the event — what are you doing for others? — is one that Dr. King would certainly be interested in.

It offers not only a great opportunity to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy, but to help find ways that we can advance the things he was fighting for in our own community.

We can’t think of a more appropriate way to begin the day.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.