Senior Zoe Wilde believes that Martin Luther King Jr Day was more than talking about having a dream, but also standing up for people’s civil rights.
“Martin Luther King Jr day commemorates an integral figure in the Civil Rights Movement who ultimately made way for equality of all people.”
Zoe knows firsthand how it feels to experience racism.
“I have experienced microaggressions, for instance something about my hair or skin tone, and was once called the n word. I have seen people being racist to others. To me, it feels demeaning and makes me question some of my self worth, and trust in other people.”
Martin Luther King Jr day is on January 19 the day where we celebrate him and how he made great changes for the future.
Freshman Chloe Miller believes that Martin Luther King Jr. Day resembles someone who has dreams and goals and tries really hard for them to come true. Chloe hasn’t experienced racism but said “ My dad gets stereotyped all the time and it affects me because seeing my dad go through that makes me upset.”
Senior Miguel Gaspar believes that Martin Luther King Jr day remembrance a man who accomplished so much in the time he had and how his accomplishments continue to encourage people to stand up to oppression. Miguel thinks that Martin Luther King Jr influence today is both encouragement and a reminder to be like him and said “For us to not be a sitting duck and watching racist things happen in the world but try to improve it by making changes and intervening and helping those who are affected.”
Teacher Mr Ben Barta believes that Martin Luther King Jr day is a day to remember the struggles that Black people have faced in this country for hundreds of years to honor and remember those who have worked and fought for equal rights for all people.
He says that “Martin Luther King Jr influence is still felt today, but now it is more about the people that he has inspired to continue making change. All of the speakers and activists who are still working to continue his mission.”
Barta believes that ARHS try their best every day, but there is always room to improve. And how we should never stop trying to be more inclusive and state that “ Everyone matters, and everyone deserves to feel welcome here. I don’t believe there will ever be a point where we are “done.”
Teacher Angela McCausland believes that Martin Luther King Jr day is the day to appreciate and benefit from learning to embrace and welcome diversity of others. To help us learn from other diverse cultures in my journey to best support all students. McCausland experienced racism and said “Yes, I recognized that privileges bestowed on me provided an opportunity to support others.” She noted how students should speak if they witness racism instead of being a bystander and watching that student be treated that way and how we should all “SAY SOMETHING!”
