2019 Committee on Social Activism (COSA)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The brothers of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc., commemorate Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. Day to honor his life achievements and influential legacy on American civil rights. From 1954 to 1968, MLK pushed the boundaries of inequality to advocate for civil rights, racial equivalence, accessible transportation, and condemn acts of violence and discrimination towards all racial and ethnic minorities. The most notable moment of his fight for freedom and equality was delivered in his legendary “I Have a Dream” keynote speech in Washington, D.C., during the March on Washington protest. Approximately 250,000 participants gathered to join MLK in his fight towards social justice and advocate for those who experienced aggressive attacks from white supremacists. The political effects of many protests across the United States propelled the government to implement the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In hopes of having his fight for civil rights endure for years to come, his message continues to inspire others to end current systemic oppression and unfair treatment of racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities, including violence and socioeconomic status. Current national and global movements demanding social justice advocacy are inclusive of Black Lives Matter, Indigenous rights, immigration and citizenship status, LGBQ and Trans rights, Me Too movement; Women’s March; anti-Islamophobia; and Gun Control Movement. Today, our brothers celebrate the legacy of MLK and continue to advocate for American rights in every sector of their existence (#COSA, 2019):
On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, the same place where Dr. King gave his legendary “I Have a Dream” speech, stood a group of young students who mocked and ridiculed Nathan Phillips, an Omaha tribe elder. Phillips stood strong, with calm demeanor, and WE were witness to a paralleled, Dr. King legacy, of non-violent resistance.
(Jesus Del Toro, Gamma Theta Chapter, University of Wisconsin-Madison)
Martin Luther King Jr. was a visionary, a leader who initiated civil rights for all. Today, his non-violent movement continues to teach us how to engage in meaningful and peaceful protests.
(Derek Solis, Gamma Chi Chapter, Iowa State University)
His legacy started the movement of citizens’ voices being recognized in the masses; average men and women now have the privilege to make a difference in their own city, state, and nation: their home.
(Eduardo Celis, Gamma Lambda Chapter, University of Idaho)
Dr. King was one of many pillars in the Civil Rights Movement who will withstand the test of time. He will forever be remembered as a hallmark of peace and coexistence.
(Mario Ledesma, Gamma Kappa Chapter, Wayne State University)
Love, and unity across races, colors, creeds, sexual orientations, especially on this day [MLK], is something to be appreciated. I believe it is what America should about – celebrating our differences and remaining unified.
(Brentton Walker, Gamma Beta Chapter, University of Arizona)
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