MLK’s Impact in our Schools

View all tags
Ashish Bijumon
A black and white headshot of Martin Luther King, Jr. with a famous quote in text.

Martin Luther King, Jr. has long been included within many schools’ curriculum for his perseverance against racism and standing up for civil rights. We are taught at an early age of the significance of peaceful protests and how effective it was during the civil rights movement. King’s impact is still felt within our schools. Students throughout the nation protest for different reasons and do so in a manner that reflects the methods used in the 1960s. They protest by peacefully marching through campuses or living spaces, harming nobody to make their voices heard.

King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington in 1963, paved the way for an integrated and inclusive future. He made it possible for us to have a space where people of all different colors, cultures, and backgrounds can work and learn together while admiring one another’s differences. If it were not for pioneers such as King, our modern-day campuses would not be what they are today. Students throughout campuses are familiar with his speeches and letters such as the “Letter from Birmingham Jail” which showcases his fearless and resistant soul.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a U.S. federal holiday that occurs each year on the third Monday of January, usually falling on or near King’s actual birthday of January 15th. Also referred to as MLK Day, this day allows us as Americans to remember the sacrifices that were made to create a better future for us. The civil rights activists fought during a time where they could be harmed and/or killed for voicing their opinions about equality. Leaders like King spoke profoundly and walked valiantly throughout the streets in the United States of America, all the way to the streets of Washington, so the frustrations of the citizens could be heard around the world.

Take a moment on Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year to remember the turmoil that Americans faced prior to gaining civil rights, the resilience they demonstrated, and how our lives have changed because of it.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the app Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –to pitch your idea and get started! 

About the author

Blog author Ashish Bijumon is standing in front of a wall of greenery. He is wearing a light gray suit, white shirt and pink tie. He has short dark hair and closely cropped beard.

Ashish Bijumon

Ashish Bijumon is studying cybersecurity at Baruch College, located in Manhattan, New York. He is currently working for app Education as a Brand Ambassador, connecting his campus and the students to app products. He works for the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services as an IT Operations Specialist troubleshooting any IT related issues. In his free time, he enjoys playing football and reading. He has participated in Bollywood dance competitions and clubs for numerous years and was the captain of the Bollywood dance team in his high school. After graduation, he looks forward to pursuing further education within the Information Systems field and working fulltime within the cybersecurity industry.