A Day On

Sophomore shares the impact, history and events surrounding Martin Luther King Jr Day

Story by Temilola Ogunkolade, Culture Editor

January 21, 2026

On every third Monday in January, the United States of America recognizes Martin Luther King Jr. Day with the phrase “a day on, not a day off” often used to represent the ongoing effort to recognize racial equality, love and justice. As a result of this holiday, many schools, banks, post offices and federal offices close in honor of his memory. Understanding the true impact Dr. King has and continues to have on our lives proves to be crucial for our generation.

“[I] think [the celebration of the holiday is] watered down and we actually need to go back and start teaching it exactly how everything went down,” assistant principal Dahlon Lee said. “[This would allow] the younger generation [to] actually have a full understanding of what’s going on right now.”

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed Martin Luther King Jr. Day into law as a federal holiday to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy. Shortly after Dr. King’s assassination, there was a great push for his contributions and efforts to be recognized; however, it took many years for Congress to pass the bill to the president. Today, people commemorate the work done by Dr. King by engaging in community service projects, attending parades or reading his work.

“To observe properly [is to] actually [do] some community service that day [and to understand] the whole purpose of what a boycott is and why they [were] doing it to make change,” Lee said. “Because the whole thing shows you the right way to resist something that you don’t like [and that] you don’t have to be violent to say.”

Many participants eagerly engage in honoring his legacy by attending events to learn more about Dr. King’s work.

“I’m gonna be participating in the MLK parade and the MLK program at [Parks Elementary] in the MLK breakfast,” freshman Madison Griffy said. “[At these places], they’re gonna be explaining the history behind it [and] the importance of MLK Day.”

Despite government pushback against the efforts of Coretta Scott King, Dr. King’s widow, to create the national holiday, the public continued to fight for the cause with overwhelming support. Inspired by Dr. King’s fight for equality, embrace the spirit of unity and compassion.

“We can try to be friends with everybody and show our caring [in] fullness and stand up for what we believe, ” freshman Ali Williams said. “[We can also] help people be closer to each other, to make people more loving [towards] each other.”

About the Contributors

Temilola Ogunkolade, Culture Editor

Temilola Ogunkolade is a returning member of Tiger Times Online and is currently serving as the culture editor. When she’s not eating food, fighting her homework or wrangling her younger brothers, you can find her binge-watching her favorite shows. Some of her goals include maintaining good friendships, improving as a writer, and earning all A’s. Temi enjoys her time being a representative of STUCO, volunteering at her church and being co-president of a book club. She hopes she can bring a new voice and perspective to the newspaper!!

Kateleigh Crowson, Managing Editor

Kateleigh Crowson is returning to Room 50B for her third and final year as the Managing Editor. When Crowson isn’t fighting for her life in AP classes, she can be found hosting at Ironwood Grill, reading her Bible, hanging out with her friends and family or busting out a new dance move in the middle of class. Outside of Publications, Crowson serves as the President of Rosebuds, the Vice President of Tiger Theatre Company and the secretary of Mu Alpha Theta. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, THS Student Council and a participant in Silvermoon Theatre. Upon graduation, Crowson will attend Texas A&M University-College Station, on track to become a Pediatrician.