EDITORIAL: Still With Us

Martin Luther King DayMartin Luther King DayReminds us that King'sMartin Luther King DayReminds us that King'smessage cuts across allMartin Luther King DayReminds us that King'smessage cuts across allbarriers and affectsMartin Luther King DayReminds us that King'smessage cuts across allbarriers and affectseveryoneMartin Luther King DayReminds us that King'smessage cuts across allbarriers and affectseveryone___________________________ But while platitudes and rhetoric abound, a closer look reveals some disturbing facts about black America. A black teenager today is more likely to get shot than he is to go to college. Almost one out of four black males is either in jail, on parole or wanted by the police. And in real economic terms, blacks today make less than they did fifteen years ago. Over 250 years after the nation's founding father's enslaved King's people, it is obvious that his dream still has a long way to go before it becomes reality. But King's example should become reality for all of us. Right now. The philosophy of a man devoted to changing society through sheer willpower, love and determination transcends all barriers of race, gender and sexual orientation. In that sense, King is not just an icon to black people, but to everyone. While his love of the black race drove his profound yearning for freedom, it was his love of humanity that allowed him to succeed. The Daily Pennsylvanian therefore joins the University community in celebrating Martin Luther King Day. We commend the University and all those who are participating in Martin Luther King commemorative programs. It is especially refreshing to see traditionally non-black groups and institutions, such as Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, actively take part in the celebration. Lingering myths that Martin Luther King Day is strictly a "black" holiday ought to be dispelled immediately. It is in this spirit that Martin Luther King's memory is best celebrated – as a man whose message knew no bounds.