The Legacy of MLK

So today is pretty important, but for some we may think it is just another day; that it is just another holiday to celebrate. But it isn't, today is a reminder of someone who stood up, along with others, and found a new method to fight for civil rights and ensure that the rights and civil liberties of people are protected. I have been reading The Eyes On The Prize The Civil Rights Reader and through my reading I have come to understand how MLK's approach to the memorable movement was different. Why was Dr. Kings approach different? well because he didn't want to violently fight with the oppressors, he wanted to show them the 'civil way' of reaching their goal for voting rights and civil justice. The civil rights movement was a grass roots movement whose goal was to accomplish what no one had accomplished with non-violence. Dr. King urged his followers to become leaders and he had this powerful tone of voice that immediately grew recognition among the people. MLK was and still is a powerful figure, not only in The Civil Rights Movement, but in history and even in todays world. Let us take a little trip in the time machine and remember all those people, students, who were pepper sprayed at the UC Davis Campus not long ago in the occupy protest over wall street. These students exercising their rights of freedom of assembly and free speech were retaliated against with violence and unfairness. These students utilized MLK's power of nonviolence. The Legacy MLK created is, not was, unforgettable because it has encouraged our leaders to protest, to peacefully protest of ocurse, for what is right. The legacy is that no matter how small the majority may make us feel there is always room for improvement. That we alone have the power to change what we know isn't right, that we can and we will find a way for perseverance. The legacy MLK created in regards to Voting Rights is that no matter our color, race, gender, we have civil rights/ liberties that no one can infringe upon, even though they may try, we cant let them.  MLK Fought the local governments, the state governments, and the onto the federal level with peaceful protest and an army of all races behind him. The Civil Rights Movement was far greater than we can imagine because it was on a greater scale in regards to those who were, and many continue to suffer form the oppression of white supremacy. This brings me back to the question of MLK's legacy and what it has done to change the voting rights for African Americans and those of other ethnicities, but if those very rights are still in danger? Well, yes in many ways some things have changed but others haven't. What about those who work the voting booths, do they get to vote or are they paid to stay longer and miss there chance to cast their ballot, what about those who are in the armed forces and cant cast their ballot on time. We often times forget about the greater picture; we believe that because of the Lady of Manifest Destiny caring her wealth across the US that we are now all saved, but this is wrong because there will always be a new battle, a new war, and a new enemy with every corner our country takes. Our rights are more in danger today than ever before with our country becoming more and more of a police state. Many of you may disagree, I acknowledge that I may be wrong on some of my facts. I know I am not wrong on one thing- and that is that I acknowledge and accept my mistakes as where our leaders choose to put a blanket over them and brush them under the carpet, or ignore the fact a wrong was done. I urge you as MLK once did to follow the dream you have and always stand up for what you believe because chances are that you are NOT alone in the ongoing battle for equal rights, this will always be an ongoing battle and MLK reached a milestone for not only the African Americans living with Jim Crow, but he influenced so many more in our world, not just our country. So my question is- what will your legacy be and why?