Remembering MLK: Reporters' opinions

Martin Luther King Jr. at Claflin in 1959. (Cecil Williams/Claflin University)

U.S. must address ongoing inequality

By TARIQ SINGLETARY

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is still very important because it forces America to measure its progress against King's actual demands, and not just the cleaned-up version history prefers to remember.

The holiday doesn't mean much if we celebrate a dream but don't deal with the real, ongoing problems of inequality.

King deserves a federal holiday named after him. The nation that once jailed him now pauses in his name, and that transformation teaches more than any textbook. Yet a day off becomes empty without paired action, and too many Americans treat it as a long weekend rather than a significant day of remembrance.

I believe King cared about more than just a commercial-selling image. He demanded economic justice, opposed war and organized disruptive protests, not just quiet reflection. The communities that spend the morning helping others and the afternoon discussing hard truths in our society are the ones that are truly honoring his legacy.

Most students can recite “I Have a Dream" by heart, but not many know the true extent to which King went to speak and protest against poverty and war. This shows that schools are still teaching a weak version of his message.

Until we teach the whole, in-depth side of King, the holiday will just be an empty gesture instead of the guide he meant it to be.

Remembering the purpose of MLK Day

By MADISON MAURICE

I believe that celebrating Marting Luther King Day is extremely important because it represents an ongoing battle of racial inequality, prejudice, resilience and courage.

His influence not only impacted the way we view Black history, but it taught us to fight through adversity and never give up on what we believe in.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent figure in the church and the civil rights movement. He is best known for leading marches and his encouraging speeches across the South and other states.

While I appreciate it being a national holiday, I do think that more people should take the day to give back, show kindness and continue to make changes through acts of service. Through acts of service that help uplift communities, we will be able to keep his memory alive and remember that there is still work to be done.

Progress is not permanent

By ANTWAN CUMMINGS

Martin Luther King Jr. Day remains deeply relevant because the issues King fought against — racial injustice, economic inequality and voter suppression —a re still present in American society.

The holiday serves as a reminder that progress is not permanent and that justice requires continued effort, not just historical reflection. The day absolutely deserves to be a national holiday because King’s impact reshaped the moral and legal framework of the country.

Honoring his legacy with a day off signals that civil rights are not a niche concern, but a foundational American value.

However, many people spend the holiday disconnected from King’s mission, treating it as a break rather than a call to service and activism. While some participate in volunteer work or community discussions, the spirit of collective action King championed is often overshadowed by convenience.

Additionally, many Americans do not know enough about King beyond a few famous quotes and speeches. His more radical views on poverty, militarism and systemic inequality are frequently overlooked, making the holiday meaningful in name but incomplete in understanding.

Holiday is more than a history lesson

By ALHAYA BRICKLE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day remains very relevant and essential because of the issues that he fought against – racial inequality, economic injustice, and political polarization.

The day is not just a history lesson, but to show how much the world has or has not changed.  

It should always remain a national holiday because King is the reason that so many of us are united today. Without his actions and movements during the civil rights era, who knows what the world would look like in today's world.

Someone needed to speak up, and for King to take that risk and put his life, his family's life, etc. on the line to fight for justice is a kind of bravery that needs to be historically remembered.  

I think many know about King. He is one of the main topics in history in schools worldwide.

I don't think King wanted people to spend the holiday in any way specifically. His purpose was to bring people together, and for the most part we are.

I think he would be happy just seeing how much the world has evolved today.