America celebrates Martin Luther King Day

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character”.

Martin Luther King’s dream is not yet fully realised but he was proclaimed a hero national for improving US civil and human rights, and a day set aside for his rememberance.

The federal holiday is celebrated every third Monday of January since 1986, and Americans is put on hold while the country remembers the hero and his dream.

Today America will observe and celebrate the 25th Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

President Barack Obama is marking Martin Luther King Day today with community service.

The President and First Lady will arrive at a local community project in Washington to lend a hand, while Cabinet chiefs and other top officials visit other organisations across the country. Last year the President visited a Washington food bank to serve hot meals to the needy.

In a statement marking the holiday, President Obama said Dr King dedicated his life to others, especially ensuring justice for all. The President has asked all Americans to observe it by volunteering on projects that benefit neighborhoods and those in need.

The only memory to mar the day is the reminder that according to US Bureau of Labor Statistics data, in December 2010 the rate of unemployment for African Americans nationwide is about 86 percent higher than that of white Americans.

Winsome-Grace Cornish