“A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true.”
-Martin Luther King Jr., 1965
Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) and his legacy serves as a testimony to defiance against oppression, and a guiding symbol of the Civil Rights movement. As we reflect on his accomplishments, we must remember it did not come without sacrifice. His actions to protest segregation and engage in civil disobedience were not only illegal but marked him as a threat to the laws and state/national policies that permitted the legal discrimination of Black Americans. His leadership in various campaigns, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott, were met with violent force by police where he and other advocates were arrested and put in jail. The risks to harm were always present to MLK; however, he persisted to mobilize his voice and stand boldly in the face of injustice. The march on Washington where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech still stands to inspire those who understand the power in faith, dedication, and standing for a freer society where everyone is given an equal chance to succeed. On April 4th, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated and died at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
We must recognize his legacy of accomplishments in advocating for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and Fair Housing Act of 1968. MLK and his family have dedicated their lives to his legacy, and the continued struggle against injustice. Survived by his youngest daughter, Bernice King, she shares the philosophies of her father in her own work to protect and expand civil rights in the United States.
“Seek out your brothers and sisters of other cultures and join together in building alliances to put an end to all forms of racial discrimination, bigotry, and prejudice. There are people of good will of all races, religions, and nations who will join you in common quest for the betterment of society.” – Bernice King, 2015
As we endure setbacks from the current presidential administration, it is critical to understand the nature of racism, prejudice, and discrimination has not changed. Violence to lawful demonstration, murder by the state, and policies to undermine civil rights/liberties are tools to break our spirit while pitting us against fellow neighbors. Choosing to stand your ground on behalf of others, on behalf of those who cannot, or for your own values foster a community that cannot be trampled by fascist ideologies. Therefore, in order to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr accurately, we must remain steadfast in the dream for a society that embraces all of us.
Roman M. Trejo is a Program Coordinator at Rush University Medical Center, where he supports the Center to Transform Health & Housing and Social Determinants of Health initiatives. He coordinates cross-sector programs and community engagement efforts focused on improving health outcomes through housing stability and equity-driven interventions. Previously, he held national and state leadership roles with the National Education Association and Illinois Education Association, advancing social justice, educator advocacy, and grassroots organizing initiatives. Roman holds a B.A. in Social Sciences from Saint Xavier University, is an Emmy Award recipient for his role in a social justice film, and is passionate about building inclusive systems that promote community well-being.