Last week Mark's Homestay went with the ELS Atlanta students to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Downtown Atlanta. It was my first time visiting the center since I was a child in the fourth grade. Seeing the King memorial, walking in Ebenezer Baptist Church where King inspired so many, and studying the artifacts inside the center was just as mesmerizing as it was during my first visit as a child. It was a pleasure to re-visit these reminders of an important time for civil rights alongside our international students who were witnessing them for the first time.
"King is really a hero of mine. I have read many books about his efforts in America to fight for the equal rights of all U.S. citizens. I think it is important for everyone to learn about him and to care about human rights in their own country," said one student.
"King is really a hero of mine. I have read many books about his efforts in America to fight for the equal rights of all U.S. citizens. I think it is important for everyone to learn about him and to care about human rights in their own country," said one student.
Few will argue that King was an incredible force for change in this country, and that his "I Have A Dream" speech was a catalyst for the civil rights movement that would end segregation and forever altered the laws of our nation. But there are still many whom are unaware of the incredible impact that King has had beyond our nation's borders. King's courage, determination and passion for pursuing equal rights for all people has resonated around the globe, and many of our international students were very familiar with the legendary leader's achievements and writings before they ever reached the U.S. Segregation, violence, intolerance, and unequal treatment of citizens are global issues that King's memory continues to influence to this day.
In an article in the Huffington Post entitled "How Martin Luther King's 'I Have A Dream' Speech Changed The World", we can read about how King's appeal to his countrymen had a resonance far wider than just the United States.
"When he addressed what he called "the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation," he would inadvertently set off a worldwide movement for racial emancipation. Tangible evidence of the long march he set off on 50 years ago can be found in the endless roads and civic facilities around the world to which the name Martin Luther King has been appended - celebrating the American civil rights leader's universal cry for a more generous and humane world."The article sites streets and landmarks all over the world that can be seen as evidence of King's global impact, including Martin Luther King Street in Mpumalanga, South Africa - evidence of King's influence on black liberation in South Africa led by Nelson Mandela; and another street named after King in Calcutta - echoing King's solidarity with the pacifist civil disobedience preached by Mahatma Gandhi as a means to throw off British rule in India.
We had the opportunity to witness an official citizenship ceremony that was being held at the center that same day. I had never witnessed one myself, and it was nice that the students had the opportunity to observe this special occasion for internationals in attendance. Applicants for citizenship came from countries all over the world. Some had waited for years to be granted citizenship, some just months. All were equally as excited to become official citizens of our nation.
The Parks Director gave a very moving speech, reminding everyone that King's impact on U.S. rights of minority groups influenced policies that have led to U.S. acceptance of citizens from all around the globe, and have contributed to the opportunities that now await them in our country - many of which probably would not have been available to them before the civil rights movement. Then, in true American style, Lee Greenwood's "Proud To Be An American" played over the speakers along with a slightly cheesy music video, while proud new Americans sang along and waved their flags in unison - and in that moment, King's presence and influence was felt throughout the room.
Fact: Toronto, Canada and Hiroshima, Japan are the only other two places in the world that observe MLK day as an official holiday.
Martin Luther King's words ring loudly each year on this day. And although there are only two other places in the world that officially observe MLK as a holiday, his impact is remembered by people in every corner of the globe today.
Happy Martin Luther King Jr, Day! How are you remembering him and his impact on civil rights around the world?
