Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the most recognized civil rights leader in American history. He is best remembered for his “I have a dream” speech.
King also holds the distinction of being the youngest person in history to hold the Nobel Peace Prize.
Because of his efforts to end segregation and gain civil rights, President Ronald Reagan declared the third Monday of January a federal holiday, one of four U.S. holidays to commemorate a person’s birthday.
It was observed for the first time on January 20, 1986.
The African-American Student Association commemorated the occasion, holding a Freedom March Reenactment yesterday.
It celebrated King’s work to raise public consciousness and built his reputation as an orator.
This reenacted his 1963 March on Washington during which he gave the speech that catapulted him to national fame.
Chad Haley, an agriculture business freshman, said the reenactment provided a window into history.
“I think this really shows how much we have progressed as a country.”
After the march, students attended a Diversity Celebration in the Student Union Little Theater.
Traeon Davis, international business freshman, said the holiday was important.
“Martin Luther King was a great man who had a big influence on the people,” Davis said.
Josh Okpara, a computer science engineering freshman, said, “I think [Martin Luther King Day] should be every day.”
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