For many, the dream that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 is as far from reality today as it was 55 years ago.

During a march on Washington, D.C., King called for the end of racism in the United States, as well as civil and economic rights — issues we still seem to be battling today.

There’s no doubt that progress has been made since 1963, but our nation still has a long way to go in finding equality for all individuals. Women and minorities continue to battle for the same rights and opportunities afforded others in our country.

Over the years, MLK Day has evolved into a day of service with many individuals, groups and organizations working in their communities to make a difference.

One area that Mississippi can be proud of in the fight for equality is the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum that opened last year in Jackson as a reminder of the struggles many have gone through.

It is well worth seeing and now through Tuesday you have an opportunity to visit for free, thanks to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, which is sponsoring the event as part of National Day of Healing. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, as well as the History of Mississippi Museum, are both open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.

Locally, our community will come together on Monday and honor the legacy of Dr. King with a morning breakfast and an evening program. The Omicron Rho Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is hosting its annual scholarship breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and the Dr. King Memorial Day Committee will host its annual program at 6 p.m. at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

We will continue to make progress as long as we honor and remember Dr. King and his dream of equality for all individuals. And perhaps a near future generation will live the reality of equality for all.