By Nate Dodgson
Monday, January 20th, marks Idaho Human Rights Day- a state holiday commemorating the life and legacy of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as recognizing all impactful strides accomplished within the diversity and unity amongst humankind.
Those who wish to promote the spirit of a harmonious future are encouraged and challenged to demonstrate their observance by engaging and volunteering within the community public space. AmeriCorps best expresses this essence in its entirety, “Whether it’s a small or big act of kindness, service has the power to unite people, build bridges, and heal divides.”
Reverend King Jr. is held by some as being “America’s Gandhi”. Both patriarchs were committed to the advocacy and mobilization efforts constructing and forming nonviolent, yet distinguished, activism and resistance against the current indignities which denied people their basic rights and freedom. King made history by revolutionizing social justice and prominently leading the American civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. Earlier and throughout the first half of the 20th century, Mahātmā Gandhi inspired similar nonviolent campaigns against state-sanctioned discrimination which grieved and oppressed Indians, who were subject under British colony and rule during that time.
Advancing human rights, the conditions, and quality of life has been a shared endeavor amongst countless collective efforts which have progressed and shaped our social history. Over its course of time and evolution, maintaining and preserving human rights is a necessary, on-going battle due to the ebb and flow which so often characterizes man’s fickle nature, taking into account the ever-shifting preponderance, tolerance, and political system that constitutes a government or state. In other words, holidays of remembrance such as MLK Day are more than celebratory landmarks about our past. It is about recalling and recognizing that our rights and freedoms are just as living, breathing, and vital to us today and forever will be. We must continue to nourish the humanitarian spirit if we are to sustain and uphold our dignity and honor that of our forbearers.
Dr. King has always been one of my most favorite and admired heroes. Ever since I first learned his story, and especially throughout all the years of my schooling, I became fascinated by his relentless pursuit of happiness and compassion for others. He took upon his shoulders the burden and duty of such (seemingly) unapproachable and unattainable feats. What he did inarguably prospers the lives of every American, still to this day! And his dream resounds in the hearts of those across all over the world.
In effort to commend Dr. King and uphold our commitment to standing with each other in solidarity, WOTS staff is thrilled to extend this invitation to all members of the community, Treasure Valley, and beyond! On Monday, January 20th, in an effort to commend Dr. King and uphold our commitment to standing with each other, Word on the Street invites you to join us for the first annual “Deeds On The Street”.