Wrinkle Creative | By Mallory Patterson
" Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter."
~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As we observe this national holiday, I can't help but debate whether schools should have the day off today or not. Public schools always go on recess, but private schools have a choice to stay in session or not. People see it a few different ways.
Some believe that schools should remain open and continue educating our youth on the past and the present. Take Paul J. Adams III, founder of Providence St. Mel in Chicago, Illinois. His experiences growing up in the South and meeting Dr. King influenced him to dedicate this day to lessons about Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights. Adams is not only passionate about making sure the past is not forgotten, but he is a strong proponent of education in general. In fact, 100% of the students attending his school in the past 30 years have gone on to attend college.
Others think it's disrespectful to hold classes on this holiday. They tend to flock into two camps:
Some believe that MLK Jr. Day has too easily been used as a make-up day for inclement weather and other school activities and believe the holiday does not get the same respect as other national holidays such as Columbus Day or President's Day. In protest, parents have been known to keep children home despite school policies.
Others see having this day off as a day on and choose to get involved in community projects volunteering.
Some believe that schools should remain open and continue educating our youth on the past and the present. Take Paul J. Adams III, founder of Providence St. Mel in Chicago, Illinois. His experiences growing up in the South and meeting Dr. King influenced him to dedicate this day to lessons about Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights. Adams is not only passionate about making sure the past is not forgotten, but he is a strong proponent of education in general. In fact, 100% of the students attending his school in the past 30 years have gone on to attend college.
Others think it's disrespectful to hold classes on this holiday. They tend to flock into two camps:
Some believe that MLK Jr. Day has too easily been used as a make-up day for inclement weather and other school activities and believe the holiday does not get the same respect as other national holidays such as Columbus Day or President's Day. In protest, parents have been known to keep children home despite school policies.
Others see having this day off as a day on and choose to get involved in community projects volunteering.
" Life's most persistent and urgent questions is, 'What are you doing for others?' "
~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
With so many people available and engaged on the same day, a huge impact can be made in communities nationwide. I personally have served on this day for many years and enjoy watching so many give their free-time giving back (not that this is the only day that effort should be made, but the numbers on this day never cease to amaze me).
No matter what you believe, I hope you take this day to reflect on the reason this national holiday exists. Many have spoke up, fought for, and died fighting for the civil rights, or better yet, human rights of all. They continue to do so today. While racism may not be overt and blatant like it has been in the past, it still very much exists in our institutions, culture, and everyday interactions with others. |
Many events are taking place in Grand Rapids, Michigan to commemorate Dr. King including an all-day event at Grand Rapids Community College that concludes with keynote speaker Sybrina Fulton, mother of the late Trayvon Martin, about "Encouraging Our Youth."
Wrinkle Creative has also been involved in organizing an event in the community that examines the lives and experiences of youth in the Grand Rapids Public Schools system that will take place January 20th from 4-6pm at Harrison Park School. The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Get Your Dream Event will screen the WGVU Public Media film, Get your Diploma. Get Your Dream. (directed by Randy Strobl) which will be followed by a panel discussion and the opportunity for individuals to get involved with various organizations that support the students of GRPS. This event is put on by the West Michigan AmeriCorps Collaborative and is FREE and open to the public.
We at Wrinkle Creative hope you make this a day-on, whatever that means to you!
We at Wrinkle Creative hope you make this a day-on, whatever that means to you!