Every year on the third Monday of January, people from around the world, recognize Martin Luther King Jr. and the impact his work has had on society. Many people in America get a day off of school or work to recognize the civil rights leader.
This holiday encourages people to follow in Martin Luther King Jr.’s footsteps by volunteering and improving their own communities.
Martin Luther King Jr. spent his entire life advocating for equality and fighting injustices in America. He is most known for leading the civil rights movement which ended segregation in America. MLK was willing to put his life on the line to create a more just world.
Even though MLK directly advocated for racial equality, his work also benefited the disabled community. His work popularized civil rights. This opened doors for disability advocates to self-advocate for their own civil rights.
His famous quote “It is not possible to be in favor of justice for some people and not be in favor of justice for all people,” also relates to the disabled community. It promotes an equal society where every person is included in all aspects of society.
Disability advocacy groups are also prevalent during MLK parades. MLK Day gives many disabled advocates the platform to educate others on disability issues to create a more inclusive society.