Martin Luther King Jr.’s essence of peace and love penetrates throughout the years. He fought with his words not his fists and is an inspiration to many. “His words created hope in the black community and gave people the power to stand up for what they believe,” said Senior, Yasmen Kent.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s trials were successful and a large contribution to the civil rights movement. He showed that, “you don’t get people to listen to you with violence but with determination,” said Kent. When fighting with violence people’s points are disregarded as they are labeled. While a composed, nonconventional, and orderly fight for what you want can’t be discredited with ease. It has a better outcome for everyone involved even if it may take longer or more effort.

Racism is still a problem today, though not nearly as large of one as it was in the 1950s and earlier. It will most likely never be totally gone as some people are set in their ways and bad traits and people have always existed. Though it can still be further reduced as Martin Luther King Jr.’s message lives on.

People and organizations like Black Lives Matter see that racism is still a problem but their message isn’t always heard like it should. It can actually, “bring people further apart,” said Junior, A.J. Artui. This is because of violence and it being overused. “I agree with what the Black Lives Matter movement stands for but some people are taking advantage of it. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard “Black Lives Matter” over a situation that was so petty,” said Kent.

Even though Martin Luther King Jr. died young he still lives on in our thought and our actions as we strive for equality of all people just as he did. His words of love still fascinate and encourage people. Martin Luther king Jr. said, “Darkness cannot dive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”