Dr. King was a visionary leader whose work transcends generations and crosses cultural barriers. He spoke of a time when people would “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Many years after Dr. King’s “Promised Land” speech, he would be pleased with the progress our nation has made but would urge us to continue the march toward the “Promised Land.”
by Congressman Michael Turner
On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed into law a bill proclaiming the third Monday in January a day to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The federal holiday was first observed on January 20, 1986.
Dr. King was a visionary leader whose work transcends generations and crosses cultural barriers. He spoke of a time when people would “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Many years after Dr. King’s “Promised Land” speech, he would be pleased with the progress our nation has made but would urge us to continue the march toward the “Promised Land.”
During his lifetime, Dr. King traveled to many cities and nations, sharing his hopes and beliefs with hundreds of thousands. His travels even brought him to southwest Ohio. On November 29, 1964, Dr. King traveled from Cincinnati to Dayton to deliver a speech at the University of Dayton’s field house, now called the Thomas J. Frericks Center. In his hour-long speech to more than 6,500 Ohioans, Dr. King shared his dream of freedom and equality for all Americans.
There are numerous organizations across the country and throughout our state who work to ensure that Dr. King’s legacy of freedom and equal opportunity lives on. While these organizations play an important role in many communities, they cannot shoulder the entire burden. Dr. King recognized the power of each individual to enact change. His legacy has inspired individual Americans to improve their communities, bridge social barriers, and move our neighborhoods closer to the dream Dr. King envisioned. On August 24th, 1994, President Bill Clinton signed into law the “King Holiday and Service Act,” honoring Dr. King’s lifetime commitment to the enrichment of the lives of all Americans, and transforming the anniversary of his birthday into a day of citizen action. The legislation established the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service and is characterized by many participants as a “day on,” not a “day off.”
Last year, more than one million Americans took part in over 13,000 community projects in all 50 states. This MLK Day, I encourage you to give back to our community through service and volunteering. Please visit www.MLKDay.gov to find out how you can give back to our neighbors across southwest Ohio.
Dr. King’s extraordinary faith lifted us to great heights. He spoke of human progress saying, “every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” Those individuals who act unselfishly move the human race forward.
Dr. King energized a nation and brought hope to many people. We are reminded of the enduring impact he has had on all Americans and those committed to freedom, justice and equality. His dreams echo through our society and have become the conscience of America. We honor Dr. King’s sacrifice, his legacy, and service on this holiday.