Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil right leader. Many people look up to this man. He was an American Baptist minister. King was well known for his support of a non-violent civil rights movement. King won a Nobel Peace Prize on October 14, 1964 for standing up for racial equality in a nonviolent way. “I Have a Dream,” one of King’s most well-known speeches was told on August 28, 1963. He told his speech during the march in Washington D.C. for jobs and freedom. He was striving to end all racism in the U.S. and economic and civil equality. King is still relevant to this day for what he did and will forever be respected and acknowledged for what he did.

The 50th anniversary of King’s death was on April 4. This day was dedicated to acknowledging King and everything he has done for civil rights. The U.S. was celebrating and remembering King.

Unfortunately, racism is still present today. It is very sad, but people are discriminated against for the color of their skin, religious beliefs, and even sexuality. King was inspiring to many for speaking his mind and standing up for what’s right. He risked his life to try to change the world. King was assassinated on April 4 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee.

I interviewed history teacher Thomas Meier and asked him a few questions. Here is what he had to say.

Why do you think King is still relevant today?

“He started the trend of “non violent protest” in modern America. His peaceful protests have influenced the modern “#Blacklivesmatter” movement and  the “#me2 movement.”

How has he influenced our generation?

“He showed that positive change can happen when you choose to protest injustice using nonviolent peaceful methods.”

Who do you think is our modern day Martin Luther King Jr.?

“Lupe Fiasco, Kendrick Lamar. J Cole.”