The third Monday of every year is a celebration of the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. This year MLK day was celebrated on January 20 with an event called MLK Day of Celebration hosted in downtown. AASA participated as ushers for the program at this event.

“The purpose is to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King by building partnerships, strengthening communities, bridging barriers and helping those in need,” AASA sponsor Lovetta Williams said.

With this being the forth year of celebration, the event included a march through downtown an a program with guest speakers.

“The honorees this year were nurse Lula Johnson and coaches Roger Adams, Howard Stephens, and Nina Mata,” Mrs. Lovetta said.

The event is important to the community and AASA members for the meaning and history behind the celebration.

“This event is important for AASA to attend as part of knowing African American heritage and their own importance in the community,” Mrs. Lovetta said.

Martin Luther King Jr. is best known for his passion for equal rights and the fight for rights.

“MLK Day to me mean celebrating not just a man but what that man stood for,” AASA member and junior Brooklyn Hall. “He spent his life fighting for equality in this country.”

Celebrations like MLK Day of Celebration are to serve as a reminder of the past and help to guide youth into the future.

“America is still fighting for equal rights and opportunities but MLK played a huge part in that,” Brooklyn said. “It’s important that we remember where we came from to get where we need to be.”