Don't waste MLK day

A Day On! Not A Day Off" is the important, recurrent theme of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations throughout America. Another important aspect of the celebration is, indeed, the history surrounding the creation of the King Day event itself. Several observers of this notable event often forget that it has a political history of its own. \nOn Nov. 2, 1983, at the White House, President Ronald Reagan signed into law that Jan. 15 -- King's birthday -- the 10th federal holiday. As it has been noted in civil rights history, it took 14 years, since King's assassination on April 4, 1968, for the approval and signing of the bill that was first introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 8, 1968, by U.S. Rep. John Conyers Jr., D-Mich.\nAmericans from all walks of life and their foreign friends have concluded that King's life and civil rights leadership, which was ended abruptly by an assassin's bullet when he was only 39 years old, are worthy of celebration. Consequently, in almost every state in America and throughout the world (especially in places where oppressed men and women often sing "We Shall Overcome" in honor of King's name), there are scheduled celebrations. During this time of year, there is a need for sober reflections, based on the ideals and practices for which King sacrificed his life.\nFor example, the National King Day Commission, under the guidance of King's very active and hard-working widow, Coretta Scott King, has used the recurrent slogan to underscore that in life, Dr. King would not have liked his birthday to have been a "do-nothing-day." Instead, he would have deemed that day as one to be added to other days of hard work and remembrance, but never to be perceived as merely a day off! \nAs part of our reflection, in observance of the King holiday, celebrants should think about the fact that although King died at a very young age, he still managed to accomplish several noble deeds and attain unsurpassable laurels. These accomplishments include the earning of his doctoral degree from Boston University at a relatively young age and over a dozen honorary doctoral degrees. In 1964, King was honored with a Nobel Peace Prize that was presented to him in Oslo, Norway, at the age of 35. \nWe should remember what Morehouse College Pres. Benjamin Elijah Mays said in his eulogy for King: He "believed in a united America" and that "coupled with moral courage was Martin Luther King, Jr.'s capacity to love people." That, indeed, stemmed from his non-violent beliefs, no matter how badly he was wronged. As Americans and people of the world celebrate King's life and accomplishments, is it not time for all to strive for national as well as international unity, whereby hatred could end everywhere? This includes the Middle East, where a new day may be dawning in Israeli-Palestinian relations. Can't all of humankind have the capacity to love one another? \nWe are in 2005 -- 37 years since King was assassinated -- yet all of the ideals for which he sacrificed his life are still relevant to our lives and aspirations today. Therefore, as his 76th birthday is celebrated, it is hoped that his call for unity, freedom, justice and, above all, equality, are to be on the forefront of our minds and consciences.