By Kira Lu ’20, Staff Writer

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

These words rang out over the steps of Lincoln Memorial on August 28th, 1963; the words that electrified a nation and are still remembered today as a vital part of freedom and how we live. The man behind this change was Martin Luther King Jr., celebrated by all for his heroic actions and willingness to take a stand and fight for equality. His legacy lives on and his courage, moving words, and compassion for his cause and for all people are remembered in our country today. When we feel like we are losing direction and being set back in our quest for justice and equality, we can turn to his words and find both comfort and inspiration to take action. Martin Luther King took a stand against the status quo and in doing so, he brought us far from where we were over fifty-five years ago, sorted into unjustly segregated communities; now, we must stand by his words to finish his dream and turn it into reality. While in light of recent events it may seem like King’s legacy is lost, we have to remain standing strong for what we know is right. Not only did African Americans face police injustice, several minorities have faced adversity in the past year. Unjust verdicts and brutal shootings across America. This unjust epidemic extends much farther than race– it encompasses gender, sexual orientation, and many other aspects of character. The Orlando nightclub Pulse shooting threatened our right to freely express our sexuality; Islamophobia jeopardized not only the equal treatment of Muslims, but also contradicts the right to religious freedom. Injustice affects all of us directly, even if we are not immediately involved; as Martin Luther King Jr. wrote in “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We must continue the battle King started and strive for rights and freedom for all people all over the world, regardless of whether or not it will benefit us directly.

In addition to being one of the most powerful voices behind the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr. also inspired us to help others in need by serving and tying communities together through having open hearts and open minds. By serving, we can utilize our passion to help others in need and put more good into the world than we started with; no matter how much skill we have or are lacking, we can put ourselves to work in the community and help others to make a difference and unlock the ultimate success.

Here at Newark Academy, we reflect Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of equality and justice by accepting and appreciating everyone and giving everyone a place in the community. We rejoice in all of our differences and accept each other for who we are. We as a community show ultimate tolerance for one another. As a school, we strive to create the atmosphere of Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream and show love and respect for everyone. Martin Luther King Jr. is especially and rightfully honored in our week of service that reaches out and offers opportunities for all to serve. In doing so, we fulfill our civic obligations to help others in need and the longing in our hearts to serve. Martin Luther King’s passion to help others in need is presented in our day of service because it is in his honor that we reach out to others in our area who may not be as fortunate as we are and spend his day serving them, whether it be by donating to the food bank or making trips to the soup kitchen. Using our much needed break to serve particularly reflects the core values of Newark Academy because it shows the compassion we have as a school for both the Newark Academy community and the world community. Freshman Sophia Emanuel says, “The big message he left for us that we all know is that you shouldn’t treat people by the color of their skin and we continue to try for that goal.” Ultimately, Martin Luther King’s legacy is expressed throughout the country and through us– our community, our service, and our love.