Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day -- reflect on character, morals, and passion for equality for all of humanity Published Jan. 18, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Macasaet 349th Equal Opportunity TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King's birthday, January 15. This year January 17th marks the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On this day and throughout the month, we take the time to reflect on Dr. King's sacrifices and how his contributions to the civil rights movement continue in the present day. At the age of 35, Martin Luther King Jr. was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end racial segregation and discrimination. He led the historic Montgomery Bus Boycott in support of the actions of Rosa Parks--African-American woman who refused to give her seat up to a white person. Dr. King, inspired by the methodologies of Mahatma Gandhi, used civil disobedience and other nonviolent means to promote equality for oppressed members of American society. His prominent and influential voice throughout the civil rights movement resulted in significant risk to the lives and well being of his own family. On April 4th, 1968, while in Memphis, Tennessee supporting black sanitary public works employees on strike for higher wages and better treatment, he was assassinated on the second floor balcony of his motel. Dr. King's influence continues on in our present day. Minorities throughout the nation have been given the opportunity to integrate into public and private industries as well as share a voice with the American majority population. Minorities have been recognized for meaningful societal contributions and have the ability to contribute to the shaping of our communities. Recently, Jean Quan, an Asian American female, was elected as mayor of Oakland, California. As an Asian American woman, her leadership role involves city and school partnerships as well as life enrichment programs. Another example, Gilbert Ojeda of the Latino Community was awarded the nationally known Health Professional Award from the Latino Caucus of the American Public Health Association (APHA) at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. Mr. Ojeda's efforts focus special attention on California's most vulnerable populations, including immigrant workers and their families, the working poor, and households in agricultural and rural areas. Dr. King's driving fight for human equality has supported the ability of Mayor Quan and Mr. Ojeda to become prominent leaders within our society. Dr. King famously stated, "Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent". In other words, nothing is easy and continually fighting for what you believe requires significant struggles. Without struggle success is not possible and if you fail others will take advantage of you and ride on your back. Dr. King's views have opened up many avenues not only for minorities but for all of humanity. Reflect on your Wingman and try to understand the contributions they have made for our military today. We are a military force composed of many different backgrounds, getting things done when called to duty. Therefore, we as military members are excellent examples of Dr. King's dream. Although, many still struggle with people who look different, it is critical that we are move in the right direction and understand the importance of diversity throughout our communities. Without Dr. King's influence and passion to fight for human rights, we would not be as advanced as we are as a society. In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., let us reflect on his character, morals, and passion for what he believed in -- equality for all of humanity.