The day after MLk day is more important than the holiday itself. It is the day that we truly see who the real leaders are. It is the day that the celebrating masses give way to the nonconforming minority of change-makers.
MLK taught us to lead fearlessly, selflessly, and righteously. His accomplishments - and sacrifice - is worth celebrating and remembering, and I am proud that we take a day every year to do it. But celebrating is easy.
The day after MLK day is where true leaders shine. And they continue to shine for the weeks and months in between celebrations.
Right now, the world doesn't need celebrators. It needs leaders, innovators, and motivators.
A "Day On" once a year won't cut it. Sure, being a good citizen 0.27% of the year is better than nothing, and donating a single holiday to commit to community service is indeed a noble act. But you are capable of more than serving soup, picking up trash, cleaning highways, and removing non-native plants.
The question on January 17th should not be "What did you do on MLK day", it should be "What are you going to keep doing to make the world a better place?"
You have skills that can inspire the masses, move mountains, and change the world - use those everyday to truly live MLK's dream - and yours.
"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent."
MLK taught us to lead fearlessly, selflessly, and righteously. His accomplishments - and sacrifice - is worth celebrating and remembering, and I am proud that we take a day every year to do it. But celebrating is easy.
The day after MLK day is where true leaders shine. And they continue to shine for the weeks and months in between celebrations.
Right now, the world doesn't need celebrators. It needs leaders, innovators, and motivators. A "Day On" once a year won't cut it. Sure, being a good citizen 0.27% of the year is better than nothing, and donating a single holiday to commit to community service is indeed a noble act. But you are capable of more than serving soup, picking up trash, cleaning highways, and removing non-native plants.
The question on January 17th should not be "What did you do on MLK day", it should be "What are you going to keep doing to make the world a better place?"
You have skills that can inspire the masses, move mountains, and change the world - use those everyday to truly live MLK's dream - and yours.
"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent."