BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a federal holiday in the 1980′s – and it wasn’t until 1994 that it was written into law in Vermont.
“You know it’s important to note that so much of the things that Dr. King fought for; we’re still fighting. And that’s really important to remember, right? We haven’t won the battle. There are so many disparities that exist between white communities and black communities and communities of color. And there’s so much we still have to work towards,” Traci Griffith of American Civil Liberties Union said.
King is credited with helping to pass major legislation in the U.S. — from the Civil Rights Act in 1964 to the Voting Rights Act the following year.
“You know next year we won’t be standing here having to have a conversation about racism or about sexism or any of the other isms,” Griffith said.
Over the weekend — there were events honoring and celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
People gathered at city hall to reflect on King’s civil rights accomplishments and discussed how to change the future for the better.
“That’s why it’s so important to at least commemorate and recognize how much Dr. King contributed to our society and hopefully you know there are other doctor kings out there. There are others who can step up and do the right thing and speak forward when it’s necessary and we hope that you know that’s what we’re hoping for,” Griffith said.
People say they are proud to acknowledge Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but they say there needs to be more change in the future
“I think it’s good that we acknowledged the important role that might be the king played and civil rights. I think by acknowledging this day we also realize that there’s so much work that has yet to be done that he strived to achieve,” Underhill resident Arnold Thomas said.
Thomas hopes we can unite as one someday.
“In fact, I think the nation has moved backwards and we have a lot of ground to recover as a result of the work that has not been done on a national level, need to continue to struggle and try to achieve those dreams that he stood for,” he said.
Suzan Johnson Cook and Ashton Hall spoke at city hall in Burlington, and many people attended this free event.