Next week has no shortage of events scheduled for celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but it seems like some extremely cold weather could put a kink in those plans.

We’re hoping that’s not the case, as Monday’s schedule, for now, includes the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Vicksburg Convention Center, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration at 6 p.m. at the Vicksburg City Auditorium, and a free day at the Vicksburg National Military Park in King’s honor, to name just a few of the planned events. But, should the weather grind even the indoor activities to a halt, there are plenty of things we can do Monday – and every day – to celebrate and remember the late Civil Rights leader.

Dr. King is remembered not only for his advocacy for the freedom and equality of all people, but also for his resolve to achieve those goals without violence: a sentiment today’s world is in dire need of adopting. 

With wars waging across the world over ethnic and national boundaries, Dr. King’s message may seem at times like trying to put out a raging fire with a squirt gun. But, it’s an important message to remember. In his era, the things Dr. King achieved were indeed revolutionary, but the way he achieved them was just as important. He didn’t just stand up to injustice; he did it without compromising his belief that all men are, in fact, created equal.

In today’s world, that lesson seems to have been lost. Even in America, where King’s message was born, we see violence and injustice stemming from racial tensions on a daily basis. It almost seems impossible to overcome. But, it must have for Dr. King as well.

So, as we begin a new week Monday with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we may or may not be able to gather together to celebrate his memory. But, we can come together as a country to keep his legacy alive,… Monday and every day.