A new year means new beginnings and new resolutions. However, as we head into Martin Luther King, Jr. Day it's clearer than ever that his work is far from finished.
It's been 52 years since King stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to preach peace and equality for all men and women in his most famous speech. He proclaimed, "One day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed... that all men are created equal."
Unfortunately, it feels like we have lost sight of his message these days. Racial profiling and police brutality took a front seat in the news media in 2014, but it is abundantly clear that these issues are hardly new developments.
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An underlying racial divide has played a prominent role in our country's history, and the unwarranted deaths of men such as Michael Brown and Eric Garner have only just begun to reignite our examination of why we have strayed so far from King's message of peace and equality.
These issues don't just exist within our law enforcement agencies, but on a more glamorous stage as well. Despite picking up an Oscar nod for Best Film, Civil Rights-era flick Selma failed to garner any nominations for its star David Oyelowo and director Ava DuVernay.
In addition to sparking an #OscarsSoWhite hashtag on Twitter, the snubs shined a very bright light on the complete and total lack of diversity in Hollywood. Many celebrities were quick to react. From Oprah's call for leadership to Spike Lee's emotional response to Jessica Chastain's poignant Golden Globes' speech, the racial divide in Hollywood quickly took front stage.
These stars aren't just talking the talk either. Winfrey, Oyelowo and DuVernay will be marching with the masses in Selma, Alabama to honor King's life and message and to remind us just how important upholding these values are in light of recent events.
This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we encourage you to get out and rally for change. Find out what marches are happening near you below, and be sure to keep us updated on your activities!
Click Here To Find A March In Your City
Click Here To Find A March In Your City