A Letter to Wiley University Students
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On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law, designating the third Monday in January as a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The late Congressman John Lewis, who fought alongside King in the Civil Rights Movement, proposed the initiative of making King's holiday “a day on, not a day off” in 1994. Today, we commemorate Dr. King’s life and legacy and acknowledge his tremendous contributions and the countless others who went toe-to-toe against white supremacy. Since the signage of this bill, so much has changed, while so much has remained the same - in fact, some would argue the pace we have devolved seemingly hints at a desire for some to wipe out all the gains made by Dr. King and the unsung she-roes and heroes of the movement. In the past, I have written a Letter to Dr. King around this time of the year, but I depart from that practice to speak directly to you, the Scholars, Leaders, Activists, Debaters, Vocalists, and Athletes of Wiley University.
Originally published: January 20, 2024
Author: Herman J. Felton
Position: President
Institution: Wiley University
Published by: Diverse Issues in Higher Education