MLK Jr. Day from a young age has always been a special day to me. To be honest my reasons have no deep ties and are very simple. From the very first time I can remember learning about MLK Jr. in elementary school I remember being deeply troubled, sickened, disgusted and feeling guilt for the injustices that black people faced/face. There is nothing that really ties me to any rooted black history in general I am from Utah where the black population in 2000 was .8% but for some reason the idea of non-violence and taking a stand was something that wasn’t right and the way that Dr. King communicated these ideals was always felt strongly about. When I was in 4th grade I entered the Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest where I recited an excerpt of MLK Jr.’s “I Have Dream Speech” and to my surprise won honorable mention that year.

Today, being at the Inauguration Celebration in a crowd that I would have never thought I would see in DC I took a moment for the crowd to almost stand still and as I looked around with my friends near by, black friends, white friends, and to see the National Mall bursting with people I couldn’t help but fight back tears. When Bono sang “In the Name of Love” it was over for me! I wonder if being in such a large crowd felt something like being the midst of Dr. King?

I am so proud to be an American, I have always been proud to be an American and I pray that more people will be able to continue the work of Dr. King and to continue the work needed to support President Obama.

One man cannot and should not run a country himself/herself along. It is a country of the people, for the people, and by the people. Serve your country in whatever capacity you are able.

God Bless America.