Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a holiday celebrated in the US to commemorate Dr. King’s important civil rights efforts at a time in history when our country was steeped in segregation and racism. I remember learning about racial equality not only in school, but also during Sunday school at my local mosque. I learned that all men are created equal before the law as well as before God. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “God does not look upon your bodies and your outward appearance but He looks at your hearts.” These words echo the sentiments of Dr. King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech, in which he urged all to regard others “not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

Racial equality is a basic tenet of humanity, but is is largely lost today. Current events highlight divides between people of different cultural backgrounds. Despite how far we have come with respect to civil rights and a Constitution that protects the rights of men and women, how is it that we have relapsed into a discussion of racial equality in light of recent current events? For the sake of humanity, we should build bridges of understanding rather than walls of fear. I hope for the continuous improvement of race relations and international relations in our country.