Remembering the Dream

Around this time of year, students across the nation get the pleasure of getting a few extra hours of sleep and the day off of school. Most know that they are given the day off because of Martin Luther King Jr. but the truth is most don't use this day to truly celebrate the man that it is in honor of.

Dr. Kevin James, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Indiana University South Bend and Director of the Indiana University South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center and Natatorium knows a lot about this day and how we can celebrate it.

"Dr. King was the symbol of hope for a better society" stated James.

On this day, James believes it is important to remember King's commitment to nonviolence, even in the face of terror. Also that, to fully appreciate King's legacy, people need to keep in mind how everyday life was for the blacks in the south.

In regard to King's dreams and what he did for society, James said, "his example is one that resonates with those who believe in a deeper, common thread that all of humanity shares."

Closing schools allowed for people to remember why they had the day off, however, even though it may be a start, some do not believe simply closing school for this holiday is enough. Closing schools "signifies the weight and significance of the memory of ‘the dream' and the continuing struggle to achieve ‘the dream,' " said James.

The Civil Rights Heritage Center is one place that students and the public can go to visit in order to learn about the history of civil rights and the people who fought for social justice.

The center held an event in honor of King on Monday, which included books, documentaries, speeches and other items reflecting the life of King. These were all available to the public.

Also, a panel discussion took place at the center which featured guest speaker Dr. Vincent Harding, close friend of King and author of Martin Luther King: The Inconvenient Hero.

There were many other celebrations that took place around the city. The Civil Rights Student Association participated in activities at the Century Center and recognized the founder of the Civil Rights Heritage Center and Dr. Les Lamon with a 2012 Drum Major Award.

On the IUSB campus, there was a Celebration Concert in honor of King, which included performances from the South Bend Symphony Orchestra along with choral groups from IU South Bend and Penn High School and renowned violinist Alexandra Switala.

The vision King once held has resided in the hearts of many Americans despite their ethnicity, religious background and sexual orientation. To continue to remember these values and put them into practice is, according to James, "what we would do well to emphasize everyday of the year."