Why Do We Celebrate MLK Day?

by Michael LaFears, Jr. SVP Austin Partner and DEI Champion

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, or MLK Day, is a significant holiday because it’s a reminder of Dr. King’s work and his plea for peaceful protest and problem solving among groups who are divided in their values. MLK Day was first recognized in 1983 after President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law 15 years after Dr. King’s assassination in 1968. All 50 states made it a state government holiday by year 2000, approximately 17 years after former President Reagan’s original sign off, to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday as a national holiday. MLK Day is intended to celebrate and recognize the civil rights leader’s life and legacy.

On MLK Day, which occurs this year January 16, 2023, people across the country celebrate the life and dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in various formats. The most common similarity is to promote unity. It is also a time for us to reflect, “Has his dream come to pass? Are we any closer to living the reality of his dream?”.

I decided to be a part of Social Venture Partners Austin because the organization is committed to carrying on Dr. King’s dream. The organization seeks to “Close the Divide in Austin” and its leaders envision a community where all can reach their full potential. The group does this by working together to help nonprofits focused on economic equity and helps to:

Drive Resources
Build Cross Sector Partnerships
Listen to and lift up the voices of those who have had less historical and societal power to ensure equity in our community

SVP Austin members work with these diverse organizations, focused on economic mobility, to collaborate on projects that address systemic issues, not quick fixes. Everyone is welcomed and every voice is heard to better our communities and ourselves. SVP Austin believes “We are stronger, together”. Dr. King also believed that we are better together than living in a divided country.

I asked SVP Austin members why they celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Here are their reasons (and mine) about what this day means.

Cindy Work Abell:

“As I consider how to honor Martin Luther King, Jr, I often return to his famous quote: The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice. There is so much packed in that sentence. I especially like the concept of an arcing moral universe—one that we have a civic duty to help shape, and he showed us the way. I also love his optimism and confidence that justice is a powerful force that draws humanity forward and that our dedication and work will move us step by step towards our goal of justice for all”.

Debbie Johnson:

“MLK Day honors an amazing and tenacious leader who prompted much needed change in our society and reminds us that change can happen with enough focused attention and courage”.Martin Luther King Jr. Day, or MLK Day, is a significant holiday because it’s a reminder of Dr. King’s work and his plea for peaceful protest and problem solving among groups who are divided in their values. MLK Day was first recognized in 1983 after President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law 15 years after Dr. King’s assassination in 1968. All 50 states made it a state government holiday by year 2000, approximately 17 years after former President Reagan’s original sign off, to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday as a national holiday. MLK Day is intended to celebrate and recognize the civil rights leader’s life and legacy.

Michael Lafears, Jr.:

“Dr. King tried to show us a different way to address conflict and differences in perspectives through peaceful tactics that allowed everyone to have a valid voice. I celebrate this day to keep his dream alive and be a part of the change that we all seek for the common good”.

In whatever ways you chose to celebrate this historical and relevant day, I challenge us all to find it within ourselves to be peaceful, respectful, and open minded to people that may look, sound, think, or have different experiences than ourselves. It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 60 years since Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream'' speech at the March on Washington August 28, 1963. Yet, the need for a message of unity and respect still rings true today.

Ask yourself again, “Has his dream come true or are we still struggling to find acceptance in our hearts, words, and actions?” I hope you will take this moment to focus on making history today, for future generations to see us as one united people. That is the way you can pay the ultimate homage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life, and legacy.