Martin Luther King Jr.

By Shaniyahh Riddick/Young Scholar

Even though we celebrated his life in January I felt the need to write about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because the inauguration was on the same day that we honor Dr. King. I felt so sorry for Black people on that day. I hope that writing this will let Dr. King know we love him and appreciate him. He is gone but not forgotten.

Shaniyahh Riddick

Also, I hope that never happens again. I know the inauguration is very important, but it should not be more important than honoring a hero of his magnitude.

Dr. King was one of the biggest key leaders in the American Civil Rights movement. He was known for his equality and his commitment to nonviolence.

He was born Jan. 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. This year, it was celebrated on Jan. 20.

He worked hard to end the racial discrimination and segregation through his powerful and peaceful protests and speeches. The “I Have a Dream” march on Washington in 1963 became the biggest symbol in life for racial harmony. Dr. King played a big part in the Civil Rights movement. He also played a major role in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This included the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. He was trying to support a strike by African Americans for better working conditions and fair wages.

Today, his legacy continues to promote movements around the world as a champion of justice and equality.

Although I was not there, just knowing what he and several others did for our future is greatly appreciated. He is a hero. There’s so much I would not be able to do if he didn’t sacrifice and stand up for a better life for all.

Shaniyahh Riddick attends Wylie High School.