Oftentimes, we students view a holiday as a day off to catch up on sleep and homework, rather than genuinely recognizing what we are celebrating. In light of the recently passed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is important to reflect on the messages of the activist and sustain his legacy for many years to come.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” It is easy to stay quiet. It is easy to witness great atrocities and remain indifferent. Speaking out against injustices, fighting for equality, those are choices that are more arduous and require more effort; however, that is what society needs: a conversation. Many view protests and rallies as a useless tactic to invoke change since a small group of people are incapable of swaying the government. Following the results of the 2016 election, people all across the political spectrum criticized the nationwide anti-Trump demonstrations, claiming that he will still stay as America’s president, and that nothing can be done to prevent it until 2020. Despite the workings of the political system, we have an obligation to be angry with the world if it deserves our anger; otherwise, civilization will only remain stagnant. The critics of the protests failed to realize that the rioters were only expressing their frustration with society, an action that is both legal and normal. As Tatum Peskin ‘20 highlights, “The people by the masses are powerful enough to do anything, but if the population communally decides on the simpler choice of staying complicit with the system, the system will never advance.”

“Violence as a way of achieving racial justice is both impractical and immoral…in spite of temporary victories, violence never brings permanent peace.” Dr. King’s tactics include the prominent idea of peace and nonviolence to protest, illuminating the ineffectiveness of physical brutality. The recent Charlottesville white supremacist rally, the uprising of the radical Antifa, and the occasional violence within the Black Lives Matter movement all contradict King’s message and all happen to fail to achieve any sort of long-term progress. The use of force in activism invalidates one’s cause and results in nothing but destruction and conflict. Instead of quickly resorting to barbaric means with tunnel vision, the modern day protester should resolve the issues with peaceful actions.

“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” Especially in this political atmosphere, the United States could never be more divided. Every day, we hear about a brand-new issue splitting our nation, to the extent where our government has to shut down because the politicians cannot agree on anything. Although he took a divisive stance on several topics like his stance against the Vietnam War, Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized the importance of unity. In spite of our various backgrounds, morals, or political views, we are still together a nation. Kyra Fullem ‘20 points out, “How are we supposed to get anything done as a country if we are constantly fighting each other?”

Martin Luther King Jr.’s influence still impacts modern activism, but it still has much to learn from him and his message. Through his principles of nonviolence, activism, and unity, our generation is capable of changing a society in need of progress. Just like him.