It took 15 years for the third Monday in January to be designated the day we would remember and honor civil rights activist, Martin Luther King, Jr.

The first year we celebrated, I remember the euphoria, the sense of pride, the feeling of hope. I also remember an older gentleman in the building I lived at the time saying that if we didn’t remain true, the day would become like any other, meaning, we’d forget, we’d lose focus or we’d see it as one more day to shop. And I thought then, with all the hardships, all the sacrifice Dr. King and the other activists went through? Never!

Yet, today, I found myself at home doing everyday activities, like laundry. Not in a million years did I think this would ever happen.

I feel guilty. Dr. King’s efforts paved the way for me and countless others. But I’m not sure anymore what the best way is to honor his life, his work and his sacrifice. It is something I’ll have to think about for next year. If you have any ideas, please let me know.

In the meantime, please enjoy this tribute by Nina Simone that a friend shared with me.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Uy8cyVWU2A]