Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as an American

January 16, 2012 is a US Federal Holiday. It is the day to remember the legacy that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has fought for us, being an American. He was born on January 15, 1928 and was assassinated in April 4th 1968. He stood for justice and equality as a civil rights leader.

"We're celebrating the best of what we are, but also what me must become, knowing that we've not arrive there yet," - Martin Luther King III

Dr. King at Tenth Anniversary of the S.C.L.C. in Atlanta, GA in Aug 16, 1967

Backgrounder:
Dr. King was the chief spokesman for nonviolent activism in the civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King's honor began soon after his assassination in 1968.

Then, President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed on January 20, 1986. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000. (source: wikipedia.org)

Several politicians were against the creation of the holiday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King (see wikipedia/reluctance to observe)

Sen. John McCain (Republican of Arizona) voted against the creation of the holiday to honor Dr. King. He also defended AZ Republican Governor Evan Mecham's initiative to cancel a paid holiday in observance of MLK Day by state employees.

Sen Jesse Helms (Republican of North Carolina) led opposition to the bill and questioned King's importance to receive an honor (see social issues). He criticized King's opposition to the Vietnam War and accuse him of espousing "action-oriented Marxism"

In 2007, there has been a dramatic changes in the observance of the MLK holiday in both public and private sectors. Wikipedia identified that 33% of employers gave their employees a day off. While others opted to use this day as a floating holiday.

In the 21st Century, across the United States many observe the Martin Luther King Jr Holiday. Last year, in August 22, 2011, the Memorial of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was opened to the public after two decades of planning, fund raising and construction. It is located at the West Potomac Park in Washington, DC.

Source: wikipedia.org

As of today, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is still a center of discussions and controversies. Historians, activists, pundits, scholars and among the people argue and discuss about his insights, visions and approaches in changing America's practices toward social issues, specifically on racial discrimination, equality, and profound activism.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, said;

"If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter."

The following video link is worth remembering the ideals and legacies that he left us and still be our guiding principles in the future ... (source: AARP.org)

"Martin Luther King Jr's Living Legacy - My Generation"

President Obama, the First Lady Michelle Obama and Malia honor Martin Luther King Jr.

Comments:

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Diwali / Deepavali Festival Resonates Across the Globe

Happy Diwali / Deepavali to Everyone who celebrates the festival of lights!

Source: Wikipedia.org

Diwali is a very important festival of the year and is celebrated among families of Hindus by performing traditional activities together in their homes. In India, the official holiday is called Deepavali.

Diwali evolved from within the Indian religions started as early as 527 BC by Mahavira (“Great Hero”).  It is the union with the Supreme being through Nirvana or moksha.

Historically, Deepavali and the celebratory activities up to the present time varies from region to region (festive lights, lanterns, fireworks, worship, gatherings, sharing of sweets), the highlight is the same – to rejoice in the Inner Light (Atman) or the underlying Reality of all things (Brahman).

“Diwali falls on the one new moon night between mid-October and mid-November. Deepavali is celebrated for five days according to the Hindu Calendar. It begins in late Ashvin (between September and October) and ends in early Kartika (between October and November). The first day is Dhan Teras. The last day is Yama Dvitiya, which signifies the second day of the light half of Kartika. Each day of Deepavali marks one celebration of the six principal stories associated with the festival.

The festival starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin their financial year. The second day of the festival, Naraka Chaturdasi, marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the third day of Deepavali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the Bali, and banished him to Patala. It is on the fourth day of Deepawali, Kartika Shudda Padyami, that Bali went to patala and took the reins of his new kingdom in there. The fifth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj), and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.” (Source: Wikipedia.org)

Today the celebration is in different forms, many countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, United Kingdom, United States and others celebrate this festival in retrospect to globalization where many people have integrated globally.

Diwali Celebration in California, USA - Source: bhaktasca.org

Coventry, UK - Source: wikipedia.org

                                                          

                                                                                                                       

Deepavali Singapore Celebration - Source: deepavali.net/singapore

Diwali Philippines Celebration - Source: http://www.phindia.info/diwali.php
October 26, 2011

Look around in the city near you where you can find a Diwali Festival, a firsthand experience to a tradition of a specific culture.

Celebrate Independence a Patriotic Activity

Every nation across the globe has a history about Independence Day. Specifically to those nations that went through a revolution in order to gain independence and liberty from a prior colonizer, separation as a part from another nation or state or an end of a military rule.  The United States of America has its share;

 Source: Wikipedia.org

In July 4^th 1776, the US Continental Congress adopted a Statement which announced  that then thirteen American colonies gained independence from Great Britain (it is commonly called today as the United Kingdom aka UK) and got separated from the British Empire.

The famous sentence in the Statement of Declaration of Independence illustrated the very core of Human Rights of which the United States of America stood through generations, today and in the future. 

To quote; “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Since 1941, July 4th has been established as a Federal Holiday in the United States. However, the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83).  From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings.

Cultural Perspectives: 

Today, the celebration of this Holiday has been passed from generations to another. Fourth of July is an official Federal Holiday of the United States. The American generations across the nation take their time to gather with friends and family and enjoy BBQ, have parties, a beach outing or in some areas of the country this 2011 Holiday might be a skiing treat in the month of June because of the changing climate.  

Each State and cities of United States of America has a form of celebration that includes an opulence of fireworks display that citizens will enjoy.  However, be mindful that there are cities and counties that have restricted the use of fireworks. 

            July 4^th 2011 is the Celebration of the 235^th Birthday of America’s Independence!

  ©2010-JNT Consulting

In California, KGO-TV San Francisco  made a list of the cities that will provide Fireworks and Events for the 4th of July celebration.  The city near you may have a similar celebration.

Economically, it is also a celebratory time among big and small merchants to bring their themed products that depict the red, white and blue colors of the American Flag. Restaurants, resorts and hotels as well. A week or two before the 4^th of July, majority of stores, supermarkets, and specialty stores have been selling their merchandize. Foods like chocolates and candies that were wrapped with this holiday theme will be sold fifty percent off on that day. Similar themed oriented goods and food stuffs are seen everywhere across United States during other US holidays like Halloween or Christmas.

On a similar note, our neighboring country, Canada will celebrate their Canada Day on July 1st. Their celebration is only a few days before the United States of America celebrates the Independence Day. Canadians celebrate their Canada Day in a very similar fashion as we in America do - gathering with friends and family and enjoy the Holiday. 

To everyone, wherever the location of your celebration please be safe always. Have a designated driver in your group, and please Do Not Drive When Drunk to keep the safety of everyone.

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