Honoring history
Do not just treat Monday as a day off.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to reflect seriously on the state of racial relations in the U.S. It's a chance to think about how far we have come since King's time - and how far we still have to go.
The inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama is one indication of the accomplishments the nation has made.
However, there also are many local events at which students can learn more about the nation's past and contemplate its future.
Central Michigan University is providing a range of events during the week, each of which offers a distinct experience for students.
Most notable is keynote speaker Julian Bond, who has more than 20 years of experience in the Georgia General Assembly and is a renowned author and civil rights activist.
Bond is an exemplary speaker: He brings to campus his experience and beliefs. Students should try to attend his presentation at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Warriner Hall Plachta Auditorium.
The Unity Ball, at 6 p.m. Friday in the Bovee University Center Rotunda, and a Soup and Substance event at noon Thursday in the UC Terrace rooms A and B both provide chances for students to meet others.
At the CommUNITY March at 11:30 a.m. Monday outside the UC Rotunda, students can show support for a good cause - unity.
A full list of events can be found at events.cmich.edu.
Students should try to attend at least one of these events to take advantage of the cultural opportunities at CMU.
That way, MLK Day is the holiday it's meant to be - not just a day to sleep in late.
