Remember his words, actions, teachings
Some kids my age aspire to be like Kanye
West, some like Bill Gates, some aspire just to be rich and famous. I aspire to be like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. No amount of money or success can compare with altering people’s views about their own neighbors so they are able to gain insight and empathy. I aspire to be an agent of change. We live in a world where we have forgotten the principles Dr. King laid out for us. With the current events in our world, today is a great day to realize the importance of the methods King used to further his principles. He didn’t use fire, he didn’t use fear, he didn’t use hatred. He used peace. I aspire to be an agent of peace.
I hope with this day, people will realize they are going about it all wrong. I look forward to a day when people will only be judged by the content of their character. We must not become silent about things that matter. No matter how different we may seem, we must not stay narrow minded. There is only one thing to keep this world turning, one thing to mend the divisiveness amongst the human race. Dr. King worked not only for peace, but also for the opposite of hatred, love. I aspire to be an agent of love. JJ Briscoe Gardner, Kan.
As we reflect on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it
is the need of the hour to stand together as one, and appreciate the treasures of democracy, free- dom and equality we enjoy as Americans, which many nations are still struggling to achieve.
After moving to the U.S., I was amazed to see the liberties one can enjoy, but we shouldn’t take these privileges for granted, as this is what will make our great nation vulnerable to prejudice. President Obama reiterated this notion in his farewell speech when he said, “Our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted.” The lack of gratitude for freedom and not acknowledging our civil liberties may lead to suppression, discrimination and racism all over again — the very things that Martin Luther King Jr. strived to eliminate 50 years ago. This MLK Day, let’s acknowledge and celebrate the values America has bestowed on us regardless of our race, religion or ethnicity. Sadia Baloch Round Rock, Texas