It’s crazy to think that just a mere 65 years ago, the segregation and mistreatment of African Americans and minorities was entirely legal. The progression made in America from the mid 1900’s to the year 2020 is incredible and a huge step forward for the country. But the changes didn’t just happen on their own, they were fueled by hundreds of brave men and women prepared to do whatever it took to improve the state of their country’s social system. One of such people is Martin Luther King Jr., who is remembered as an extremely compelling speaker and leader of the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 up to his untimely death in 1968. Even though Mr. King died in 1968, his words still live on, inspiring people of every background and carrying on his legacy to this day. His powerful and moving speeches prompted the success of the Civil Rights Movement and despite the weight of hundreds of death threats resting on his head, he continued speaking in honor of equality and a vision he and thousands of people like him had for the future. Martin King Jr. even addressed the dangerous position he occupied when he stated, “There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he must take it because his conscience tells him it is right.”

In honor of the remembrance of our country’s past, good and bad, America observes “There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he must take it because his conscience tells him it is right.” January 20th, Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, is a federal holiday to honor his influence and countless others efforts in the advancement of our country.