Martin Luther King Day is a day to celebrate the life and legacy that Martin Luther King lived. For some it has a deeper meaning than just a day off from work or school.

“It means the recognition and commemoration of Martin Luther King and everything that he did for civil rights not only for Black Americans but for other people of color,” U.S. History teacher Rosa Estella said.

This is a day that helps mark acceptance.

“It has made an impact because when you give a person that has had such an impact on our history a special day I think that we have come a long way to actually accept that,” Estella said.

The day impacts people’s lives because of the things King succeeded in doing.

“I think this day has affected everybody because without what he did then the United States might not be as equal as it is today,” senior Erick Chacon said.

This day helps mark an important time in history.

“I think it is important to celebrate because it reminds us of what things he had to go through to have the equality that we have today,” Chacon said.

People today still feel inspired by some of the important action that King did during his fight for equality.

“He had a lot of courage and bravery to fight for what he believed in without using any kind of violence,” senior Patrick Gomez said.   

This day commemorates the difference he made.

“I think his speeches inspire everyone because what everyone really hopes for is the United States to come together as one, but prejudice gets in the way, fear of the unknown, fear of people that they don’t understand, and cultures that they believe might be different to theirs,” Estella said.