Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a dreamer, believer, and fighter, is commemorated on this special day for his selfless contributions to the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Even today, 50 years from when Martin Luther King Jr. was still alive, society is still along the path towards a less segregated and more united group of people. Martin Luther King Jr. is forever remembered for his peaceful protest not only for blacks, but for all of those who have been ignored, oppressed, and abused. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated every third Monday of January, which is around the date of his birth, Jan. 15.

The spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. is especially prevalent this year in regards to the controversial and debatably racist President Donald Trump. Last Friday, during an event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the White House, April D. Ryan, one of the few black journalists in the White House press corps., directly asked Trump, “Mr. President, are you a racist?” The president did not respond. This question was seemingly related to President Trump’s alleged remarks made the previous day, addressing several South American and African nations as “shithole countries.”

At the present event on Friday, the president signed a Martin Luther King Jr. Day proclamation and commemorated the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These actions stand in contrast of President Trump’s previous endeavors.

Nonetheless, it is important to consider the meaning of this day. Every year, MLK Day takes place in different circumstances and applies to our current lives in different ways. That is why Martin Luther King Jr.’s work is still celebrated, year to year.