COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS — Celebrated every year on the third Monday in Jan, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's life and legacy stands just as impactful half a century ago, as it is now.
"Obviously, I am at a college campus today. Before Texas A&M was even integrated, they had to create Prairie View A&M for Black students to go to, so obviously I get to be here today because of integration," Amanda Ratliff, a Texas A&M freshman said.
Not only is the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr celebrated every year, but also everyday in the lives of others whose situations were made better because of him.
Without much of what Dr. King stood and fought for, most of society wouldn't be where it is now, with arguably much more room to grow.
"It can get very hopeless, and you can feel defeated after BLM, and all that stuff, when people don't listen to your peaceful protests, it can get frustrating. It's kind of of a reminder to keep doing that and try to keep your spirits up," Ratliff added.
Transforming views upon segregation and a leader for enacting change, the influential voice of Dr. King fought for people of color and simply made life better. Creating change is an action, some say, we can all express.
"As long as you have the courage, and the determination to do it, anyone of us can be the next figure head for a movement. It's inspiring to know that this religious man that was hated on by so many people, is now a man who so many people look back on and treasure," Taylor Krick, a Freshman at Texas A&M said.
Aggies of all backgrounds and ethnicities are standing up for a better community, while keeping one of Texas A&M's core values at heart.
"Selfless service is one of the values we try to incorporate in our every day lives, and everything we do, we keep selfless service in mind," Justin Hegar, a Texas A&M sophomore said.
Believing and promoting that all men were created equal, Dr. King sacrificed his life fighting to achieve that goal.
"You never know what someone's story is or what they could possibly do for you. So don't judge them by how they look on the outside," Ratliff added.
Hopeful for a better tomorrow for all citizens, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's vision of creating change jolted the civil rights movement, that change, still being felt over 50 years after his assassination.