In honor of the holiday, (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) I decided to go out and ask what other locals thought about the man behind it all. While some were indifferent or just happy to have the day off, others had strong opinions and on what the day represents in relation to where we are as a nation. For some, the day is a milestone marking where we are as a people, others feel there is still work to be done. Here are just a few reponses:
Eryn, 23: “MLK is a great man but what about Ella Baker of Fannie Lou Hamer? The media tends to glorify single male leaders as “heroes” but it is important to remain critical. MLK day reminds us we still have much work to do and we can all start in our own communities!”
Silken Brown, 22: “Martin Luther King is one of the main reasons segregation is gone. I also really admire Malcolm X, my high school would celebrate a day especially for him at the end of February.”
Carlos, 26, sees Martin Luther King Jr. Day not only as an extra day to add on to the weekend, but to celebrate the life of a man who has brought equality to a country that was once completely split.
Antonio, 26: “Martin Luther King was a man with a dream and he chased it no matter how many people doubted him. Actually, what he did was pretty amazing and I take chances like he did everyday with my music. Check me out on instagram @kontrabandbeatz for the best beats in the Bay Area.”
