Martin Luther King day is one of our only national holidays committed to honoring social and racial justice. Yet too often it has been watered down to a Hallmark card -- a weak commemoration of one of the most inspiring individuals and formative eras in American history.
It's time for a true celebration of Martin Luther King Day. This week, Americans everywhere will remember the selfless and historic contributions made by one of the most important figures of the 20th century. Rebuild the Dream members are hosting MLK Day Movement Meet-ups to celebrate Dr. King and link the Civil Rights Movement with today's struggle for an economy that works for all. We will come together to reflect on the struggles of our past, and unite to secure our future.
This is a chance to touch base with people who are passionate about fighting for Dr. King's dream. Neighbors and friends will gather in schools, libraries, community centers, and living rooms to watch a short video and open up a discussion on how we can strengthen our movement in 2012.
MLK day is a chance to look back and look ahead -- let's reflect on one of the most important movements of our past as a springboard for the ongoing fight for justice. There is a lot left to fight for, and every day people are continuing Dr. King's struggle. With a powerful movement sweeping the country, we must gather together and ask: What would Dr. King and other civil rights leaders do today? How can we continue their legacy in 2012 and beyond?
While the founding reality of America fell short of our ideals, we also had a founding dream that was beautiful -- is beautiful -- and is inherently about equality. The story of America is a story of an imperfect people struggling day after day, year after year, decade after decade, and now century after century to bring that unequal reality closer to our beautiful founding dream. That was Dr. King's dream. That is what our movement is today.
2012 will be groundbreaking, so we have to get together and get ready. It's our turn. Let's honor the inextricable link between the struggles of our past and the struggle for our future.