Patch Readers Speak: What Does MLK Jr. Day Mean to You?

We asked Patch readers to tell us what the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday means to them. Following are some of the responses.

Dan O’Kelly of Bloomfield Hills: “It means the world to me.”

Nancy Pawlowski of Plymouth: “To me, it’s a good day to remember that MLK stood for peace. In light of recent violent protests in Ferguson MO and around the country, I think it’s a good reminder that violence isn’t the answer.”

Nancy Yee of West Bloomfield: “Especially with the recent events in Ferguson MO and other areas, Martin Luther King Day is an important reminder of Dr. King’s lessons about Civil Rights. Fifty years later his words urging peaceful protests are still needed. Unfortunately, change comes too slowly for many.”

Paula Brancheau of Dearborn: “It is a day to pause and reflect on the journey our country continues to take for equality for all. It is a day to treat people just a little bit more gently in honor of a powerful, gentle man.”

Maureen Field of Birmingham: “Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an important day for me and all of America. I attended memorial services for Dr. King in a packed Boulder, CO, church in April 1968. He was so important in the civil rights movement and we must not forget his legacy and that as a nation we have yet to reach the goal.”

Chris Crossen of Birmingham: ”A day of respect and reflection on the man who did more for all and sacrificed so that others could soar. A man we justly praise.”

Lynn Vettraino of Rochester: “By having a day designated to honor and remember such a great man, I think it may provide inspiration for future great leaders to freely express their ideas and act in making the world a better place.”

Peter Zuk of Wyandotte: “This day is a reminder to me that we don’t move forward by holding others back.”

Karin Schneider of Birmingham: “We have so few examples these days of real courage, MLK Jr is so important for young people to know as an example of standing up for justice.”

Marlo Rojeck of Dexter: “Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time that I think about how fortunate I am to have been born in the United States. This is a place that allows for and even encourages the leadership that Dr. King displayed. Dr. King was a great American and his story encourages me to try to live courageously!”

Alison Emerick of Beverly Hills: “After living in the very segregated South for 10 years it was great to move up to Metro Detroit, which is the most diverse place I have ever lived. MLK Day reminds me to appreciate the diversity my children take for granted.”

Elif Wisecup of Birmingham: “Martin Luther King Jr. Day will forever remind me of performing with my high school choir at Southfield’s annual celebration to honor Dr. King. Other kids thought we were crazy to give up our ‘day off,,’ but I remember feeling proud and honored to participate in a diverse celebration of a great man. These events were well attended, in turn both somber and joyful, and a great learning opportunity. I hope my children will attend similar celebrations one day!”

Ruth Favro of Oakland Township: “MLK Day honors a man who galvanized people to fight for civil rights with words, deeds, but not violence. We need to remember the immense dedication of all the people of this movement, and the suffering that they endured to change a culture and pave the way for everyone’s civil rights.”

Brad Smith of Farmington Hills: “Dr. King’s legacy is more than just a ‘day off’ – it embodies the best the human nature can offer and inspires us all to work to be the best we can be, whoever we are. This day, his day – our day, gives us the time to reflect on this; his dream.”

Steven Rietz of Birmingham: “A day to remember a great man that unfortunately his message is still not completed.”

Bobbi Deitrich of Troy: “I have always had great admiration for Martin Luther King Jr. and his stand on equality, non-violence, and civil rights for everyone. I feel that everyone should be treated as they want to be treated, and no life is more important than any other. We all are born, struggle and succeed in life, and die. We are all equal and we should all be treated fairly. The violence I see in the world breaks my heart, and the reasons for the violence breaks my heart even more. I have a dream, of world peace and equality for all.

Maril Zbik of Northville: “It is a day to remember a great man who dedicated (and sacrificed) his life to stand for what’s right. His dedication to the ‘fight’ for civil rights is even more remarkable because it was non-violent.”

Shannon Kammerzell of West Bloomfield: “It signifies such a pivotal time in our nation’s history. It means acknowledging that because of a very brave man, social responsibility was injected into American society.”

Henry Yee of Grosse Ile: “It is an annual reminder that diversity and equal opportunity are basic tenets of the American dream.”

Jane Potee of Brighton: “A day to remember a great man. One who thought about others before himself. Celebrating a man that was beaten down, but never broken. A man who inspired others to do better, and to love others better than themselves. Dr. King motivates us to look beyond the color of our skin, gender, and status, and to understand that all men, women and children are created equal. “

Zita Collins of Farmington: “Martin Luther King Jr. was the most important voice of the American civil rights movement, which worked for equal rights for all.”

Sarah Rapicano of Ferndale: “Martin Luther King Jr. Day represents standing up for what you believe in and fighting for equal rights. He was a hero.”

Kimberly Fuga of Macomb Township: “It signifies the importance of our continued work towards equality for all people. Life would be so much easier if we followed the tenets of his beliefs.”

Vivian Malleck of Northville: “MLK Day is to reflect on what diversity meant then and what it means today. It also is a day to teach the value of acceptance.”

Sue Longstreet of Bloomfield Hills: “MLK Day is an important reminder that we live in a diverse community, need to recognize the accomplishments and sacrifices of everyone, and can always do more to bring people together, and treat all fairly.”

Joyce Barszcz of Plymouth-Canton: “This quote by MLK Jr. has been on my email signature line for many years: ‘The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.’ I reflect back on this often when at a crossroads, so I may be measured with grace and dignity by those around me. May my actions have a positive ripple effect.”

Mary Jeffrey of Hartland: ”I was just a little girl when Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot but I’ve seen movies and I lived in Detroit It was a very scary time and honoring a man whom had the guts to stand up and state that all men and women should be treated the same and have a dream that this should be common knowledge. We are all equal and I think this day is what this means to me. (And it’s nice to have a day off in January).”

Mary Lanphier of Royal Oak: “King was a leader in a societal shift that has opened up opportunities for people of different races to have relationships at work and at home that would not have been possible before. There is still a lot of racism in America today and our civil rights have been diminished. We need King Day to remind ourselves that people joining together can make positive change.”

Jeff Hanna of West Bloomfield: “To me it’s about helping others and being there for them. We have to ask ourselves if we are involved in something to make the world better. How are you part of making the world better. Are you focusing on what matters in society today or are you focused on the things that are making this country decay? You help others by being of service to others who are in need. In my case, I have also seen a decline in the way people feel about others. Everyone seems to be out for themselves. We have to change all that and this is a good day to remember to check yourself. Days like this make you feel good. But what will even make you feel better is knowing that you can have an impact on someone elses life or that of a community. Get involved and make this world a better place after all I am sure ‘you have a dream’ as well. I know deep down inside its what you strive for.”

Ann Nazareth Manning of Bloomfield: “Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day for giving back to our community through service to others. It is our chance to follow Dr. King’s lead by taking a little step toward making the world a better place.”

Andrea Mijat of Dearborn: “MLK means the biggest holiday to celebrate the country’s black history. Our schools actually learn a lot about equality all month and where we were then and where we are today. It is a cherished day and very meaningful to the residents.”

Susie Hensooldt of Farmington Hills: “This day is to remember how hard he worked for minority rights. He truly helped them to be more equal to all. This is what God wants us to be – kind and equal to all!”

Carlyle Carvalho of Canton: “Martin Luther King Jr. day reminds us that we are all equal and can contribute to humanity the more we are allowed to be ourselves.”

Kelly Boda of Canton: “Martin Luther King Jr. Day means to take time to reflect on the words of peace and unity by a highly-dedicated man of peace. With events unfolding in the past few years, most importantly it is a time to search our hearts to make sure we are not contributing to divisiveness in the community.”

Paul Gallagher of Wyandotte: “ ‘Free at last’ says it all!”

Sidney Beck of West Bloomfield: “It is a day that allows us to reflect on far we have come with improved race relationship and yet we must continue with improving them.”

Myra E. Gracey of Bloomfield Hills: “MLK DAY is a day to reflect and give back by way of community service in whatever capacity you see fit, which helps mankind. I would love to engage with others of another race in an effort to demonstrate our love for the human race.”

Marcia Hauptman of Royal Oak: “MLK day is a day to spend in reflection about non violent ways to improve understanding and tolerance among human beings.”

Elizabeth Andrzejak of Rochester: “Freedom of rights for people.”

Christina Newsome of Wyandotte: “Martin Luther King Jr. Day symbolizes a purpose of unity. It represents a person who had the courage to share his true passion with the people of the nation: Vision, Guts, and Stick-to-it-ive-ness. With this true passion, this day is suppose to carry onto each generation, to have a vision, a dream.”

Terry Poduska of Royal Oak: “Time to reflect for a peaceful co-existence in the world.”

Paula Heckman of Royal Oak: “A day to remember a great man who wanted the world to love one another. No matter what they looked like.”

Margaret Willis of Novi: “Aside from honoring the man himself and his many accomplishments, the day is meant to focus on whether we ourselves are measuring up to his philosophy in treating everyone equally, regardless of not only race, but sex, religious beliefs, or whether they think the same way that we do. Freedom and equality is for everyone in America, not just certain people. We still have a long way to go as far as equally in the workplace.”

Christine Wladyslawski of Wyandotte: “MLK day is a day to remember a brave and courageous freedom fighter. Prejudice and separatism existed too long and it took someone brave to stand up for his people though eventually it cost him his life. Because of his efforts doors were opened, jobs and education opportunities, and the black communities are able to speak out for fairness in these areas and be recognized. He had a dream that he fought to realize in spite of all the adversities.”

Rachelle Smith of Novi: “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is meaningful to me for several reasons. First, it represents an optimal opportunity to celebrate his life and legacy. Second, it is a day to pause and reflect on how far we have come in this country, thanks to Mr. King’s courageous efforts. Third, it serves as a challenge towards continual progress for equality and freedom in this country. Finally, it is truly a beacon of light, inspiration, and hope for the future for us all to experience the dynamic dream he outlined in his stellar speech.”

James R. Saule of Fenton: “It reminds me of the dedication and personal sacrifices that a man made to convey a message in a non-violent way. A message that was heard by all.”

Margie F. Kirsch of West Bloomfield: “The father of the civil rights movement in this country.”

Zak Rahal of Plymouth: “Martin Luther King Jr. day means reflecting on the horrible way the country used to be, and remembering his great achievements in civil rights.”

Raju Malghan of Northville: “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day reminds us to be humanitarian and leader in the civil rights. He inspires us to fight for racial inequality through nonviolence.”

Jerome G. Jarnick of Troy: “While Martin Luther King, Jr. was an important and significant force in American culture and history, I’ve never understood why his name is attached to the only Federal holiday to bear the name of an individual.”

Carol Allen of Royal Oak: “To me Martin Luther King Day celebrates the life of a man of extraordinary courage and his struggles to obtain the basic civil rights of the African-American people. He did so in a non-violent way. He was a man of God, a man of the people and a man who created a more humane world for all mankind.”

Suzanne Serlin of Farmington Hills: “He was a model for brotherly love.”

Ismail Chammout of Dearborn: “Equality and fairness not based on race, religion or gender, treating others with respect and kindness.”

Rhonda Gutierrez of Wyandotte: “Martin Luther King Jr. day defines everything that is important in life. It portrays equality, acceptance, hope and love. Accepting those of different races, religions and nationalities as a chance to learn and grow together gives younger generations hope for the future but most importantly teaches them how to love unconditionally.”

Linda O’Connor of Dearborn: “It is a day that is reflecting on Martin Luther King’s well known speech, ‘I Have A Dream.’ That dream is for racial equality – which still needs a lot of work– to bring people together, not against each other because of the color of their skin. We are all equals and should not be judged by what color we are.”

Frank Roche of Royal Oak: “It is a day dedicated to someone who was sincere about making our world a better place and seeing that all people are treated equally.”

Beth Petrovich of Farmington Hills: “Celebrating America coming together as a nation and that we should be treated the same.”

Jay Waldman of Farmington Hills: “This day honors the life of Dr. King and brings to life all he stood for. Children today know how he led civil rights marches to better the lives of everyone and that all people are created equal, and should be treated and respected as such.”

John Dorsey of Birmingham: “Martin Luther King Day is a reminder of the great civil and voter rights efforts of the 50s -60’s, and the man without whom neither would have happened.”

Susan Sanderson of St. Clair Shores: “MLK Day is a opportunity to reflect on not just civil rights but as a day of service to the community. Everyone needs to give back to the community whether it’s donating time or money there is so much that can be done to make a difference in our community! Every year we donate clothing, baby items, books to local school, and time (serving seniors meals). If everyone donated even one day of service, imagine all the good it can do!”

Richard Koerber of Rochester: “He preached peaceful co-existence at a very volatile time of our history. When he is remembered for what he was it is good, but when militants use his name for their own purposes, it is disgracing his memory.”

Antonia Gibson of Farmington Hills: “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day means triumph! To love unconditionally was forever a dream of Dr. King’s, and he dedicated his life to humanity. His day represents a time where we too can try; try to make a difference! Try love, try justice, try equality.”

Julie Swierczynski of Chesterfield: “Martin Luther King Jr. Day does not only symbolizing racial equality to me, but equality of the sexes. Everyone was created equal and should be treated equally.”

Alvin Thomas of Sterling Heights: “After the busyness of the December holidays where we have spent enough time with our families that we regret succumbing to the power plays and unrealistic expectations, eaten as much as we possibly could eat and regretting our lack of self-control, and spending so much money on ‘deals’ for things that we don’t even bother looking at anymore, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a sacred holy day or reprieve to focus my attention on others that are less fortunate than me. There are websites that give suggestions on local areas that could use the help and to be able to get out of my comfort zone and interact with people who I’d probably never interact with otherwise reminds me of the beauty of humanity and the need to make more of an effort to help and serve others. It also is an opportunity to read and relearn the struggles that Reverend King experienced, the importance of spirituality as he was a minister of Christianity and as the world keeps repeating the mantra that religion is the cause of all evils and violence in this world, it is refreshing to also note that faith is also the antidote to all of the ills of this world.”