Jan. 19, Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day is a United States federal holiday that celebrates the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. This day honors his fight for racial equality and justice and serves as a national day of service to encourage necessary action from the community.
It is more than a day off from school or work. It is an opportunity to honor the impact that MLK had on the United States as well as reflect on his legacy.
The Detroit Free Press reports that President Donald Trump’s administration did away with free visitation to National Parks on MLK Day because of new Federal Guidelines.
Detroit Free Press reports, “Although the Trump administration can’t cancel or end the holiday, the administration changed the lineup for National Park Service free entry days and eliminated Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 19, from the list. The federal holiday previously was among dates national parks and other sites offered a free visit, recognizing a key figure in African American history.”
The best way I can describe hearing this news would be disappointed but not surprised, which seems to be commonplace with how I feel about a lot of the decisions the Trump administration has been making.
MLK Day being removed from the list of federal holidays that get free National Park entry undermines the recognition of civil rights history and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. It is always one step forward and two steps back. This decision appears to reverse all of the progress that MLK made.
I don’t even really understand the reasoning behind the administration’s decision. This is not a problem, and other issues are going on in the world that should take precedence over something like this. It is just all the more frustrating that this decision places less value on a day meant to honor and bring attention to civil rights progress.
According to the Detroit Free Press, “The park service eliminated free entry on Juneteenth, a second federal holiday honoring African Americans, representing a reduced emphasis on Black American history.”
It’s so bothersome that free entry was abolished on Juneteenth as well, which is another federal holiday that is a dedication to Black American history.
I feel that the Trump administration should not have done this and that there is no need to not acknowledge MLK day. This decision diminishes the significance of civil rights and equality.
Ali Barretta can be contacted at
abarretta@kscequinox.com
