The Meaning Behind MLK Day

Tammy Baldwin makes Strides

Courtesy Kamil Krzacynski, UPI.com U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin speaks at the campaign rally for Wisconsin Democrats in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 26, 2018

Vaishnavi Peyyety Contributing Writer

Wisconsin senator Tammy Baldwin becoming the first openly gay individual elected to the United States Senate has made significant strides for the LGBTQ+ community. She “ran to make a difference and not to make history” as one of several gay and lesbian candidates in legislation (Grinberg). Her ability to stand her ground and be transparent about her sexuality, which the public is known to scrutinize, is truly empowering. This term she is working towards “spearheading legislation to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ Americans” (North). This noble cause follows the 2015 Supreme Court decision that allows LGBTQ people to marry the partner of their choice but fails to protect them from discrimination in the work place, job market or even while sitting down to eat at a restaurant (North). Even though the Employment Non-Discrimination Act never passed Congress, Baldwin is ambitious to fight for legislation that covers work and other parts of life where LGBTQ+ people are mistreated. Baldwin knows that the bill most probably will not pass the Republicancontrolled Senate but she still strive to make LGBTQ+ struggles part of the national conversation.

Baldwin’s election has had several positive effects on the way elections are viewed, not only in terms of LGTBQ+ rights but also for women’s rights. People are hopeful that more women in Congress “will change the discussion of policies affecting women and families” (Grinberg). This further relates to the well-founded research that “women in leadership leads to better outcomes for the community” (Grinberg). In an interview with Anna North, Tammy Baldwin mentions how the first opportunity for women to be firefighters was very significant and how this sort of “critical mass makes a difference” (North). Baldwin’s work so far proves to be promising as we move into a more inclusive and diverse world.

Courtesy Kamil Krzacynski, UPI.com

diversity 14 The Meaning Behind MLK Day

Emree Downey, Contributing Writer

As many know, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Baptist minister and a civil rights activist in the 1950-60s. He is notorious for his substantial role in the American Civil Rights Movement and The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. Dr. King was assassinated by the United States government on Apr. 4, 1968 for his outspoken awareness of the unfair treatment and discrimination against AfricanAmericans across the United States. Though he is no longer with us, his accomplishments and message live on. In Nov. of 1983, former president Ronald Reagan signed the bill to adopt MLK Day as an annual federal holiday, beginning Jan. 17, 1986; two days following Rev. King’s birthday.

MLK Day is a day that honors an American hero for his nonviolent resistance against racial segregation, and is usually celebrated with marches, parades and speeches given by civil rights leaders and politicians. On this day, certain organizations also undertake volunteer efforts in support of the MLK Day of Service as a gesture to acknowledge what Rev. King has done for the Black community.

Though Rev. King is mainly remembered for his March on Washington demonstration, it is important that one does not forget that he was instrumental in the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which outlawed “discrimination in public

Courtesy Stephen F. Somerstein, Getty Images

Martin Luther King Jr. stands stoicly as he pauses amidst his speech in fromt of the Alabama state capital building in Selma, Montgomery, 1965.

Courtesy Paul Schutzer, Getty Images

In front of the Lincoln Memorial, Reverand Martin Luther King Jr. addresses a crowd during “Prayer Pilgrimmage for Freedom,”in Washington D.C., 1957.

accommodations, facilities, and employment,” and the Voting Rights Act in 1965 that allowed AfricanAmericans to more easily exercise their right to vote under the 15th Amendment. Rev. King’s contributions towards a more equitable way of life for all are seemingly endless.

Many may not know, but following Rev. King’s death, his wife, Coretta Scott King, sued the United States government for his assassination and won the settlement. That is what his holiday is all about, accountability and equal opportunity for all. Rev. King is survived by many family members who have continued his legacy and persist as civil rights activists. MLK Day is not just another holiday where you get an extra day off of work, this day represents the ongoing fight for systemic freedom, equity and equality for all Americans, especially AfricanAmericans and communities of color.