Paying Tribute to the Great, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Every January one day is set aside to celebrate the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Monday, there is no school, but it is more than a day off.  It is a day to stop and reflect on one of the most prominent Civil Rights Leaders in our history. It is also a day to think about the sacrifice and fight Dr. King put forth to promote equal rights for all Americans. Some of you may spend this day in service-giving back to your community. Or, perhaps you will spend it attending a local gathering to celebrate the life, legacy, and principles of Dr. King and how it positively contributed to the world we live in today. 

Dr. King helped organize the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. On that day, tens of thousands of people gathered and marched together, peacefully protesting against the racial inequalities our nation was facing at that time. Our nation is still faced with inequities and challenges that are far-reaching and need to change. When you are thinking about how to stand up for these inequalities and how you can participate in these changes, think about the example that Dr. King has set for you. 

We have amazing students at CCHS who are empathetic, thoughtful, budding leaders, activists, and simply stated-good humans. We have no doubt that many of you will be out in the world fighting for a better tomorrow and a better future for all. Making change can be hard and can take time. When you are out in the world doing this, remember the words of the late Dr. Martin Luther King “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

We would be remiss if we did not mention the new MLK statue located in Boston Common. This statue, “The Embrace”, honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King. It is a symbol of the hug they shared after Dr. King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. We are so lucky to have this beautiful and significant piece of art right in our backyard. This monument will live on and serve as a reminder for people to come together to fight for what is right and good, to serve our communities, and to spread love.

- Katie Stahl and Brian Miller, Acting Co-Principals

"The Embrace," the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial sculpture, at Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts. Jan. 12, 2023. 

LANE TURNER/THE BOSTON GLOBE VIA GETTY IMAGES