February is Black History Month. We take a month out of the year to give respect and honor to the African Americans who fought for their rights and equality, such as Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X, and so many others. Probably the best-known civil rights advocate is Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK was a crucial part of the Civil Rights Movement. MLK Day is January 16, as it marks his birthday. King’s birthday is actually on January 15, but MLK Day is celebrated to honor his work and nonviolent protests and activism. He helped the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act to be passed. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his courage and peaceful demonstrations. One of the most famous speeches that he made was his “I Have a Dream” speech. He famously remarked, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today.” - Martin Luther King Jr. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968, but has not been forgotten as we continue to celebrate his life, work, and legacy.