The third Monday of each January honors the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. The federal holiday often coincides with college students, including those attending Syracuse University, returning after Winter Break.

As students travel back to college, settle into new housing and prepare for classes, the significance of the holiday can be lost. Many businesses and federal offices are closed to observe the holiday, but for many students, it’s just the last day of break. In our generation, 44 years after King’s death, we often fail to fully acknowledge his significance.

SU holds Dream Week each year and brings in a speaker to celebrate King. This year will be the 27th annual dinner in the Carrier Dome. The dinner and celebrations are held just about a week after the holiday, when the campus community has returned from the Winter Break. People in the university and the community come together for the event. Last year, more than 2,000 attended.

Like any other federal holiday, Martin Luther King Day should be a reminder to us all to be thankful for what we have and how our country has progressed. The reminder should not only come for the SU community when events are held, but on the day itself, too.

Certainly, we are all grateful for what King achieved in his lifetime, or our lives would be very different. For our generation, racism is not nearly as prevalent as it was when King died in 1968. It’s undeniable that racism is still an issue. The day should not be considered the last day of break, but should be used as a reflection on King’s commitment to improving our country.  

Published on January 16, 2012 at 12:00 pm