This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Today, we as a nation celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Or do we?
In a commentary by Earl Ofari Hutchinson in yesterday's Los Angeles Times, it was noted that nearly 40% of state and local public agencies remain open over MLK Day. Less than 30% of businesses give their workers the day off.
"By contrast," Hutchinson writes, "about half of U.S. firms give their employees a day off on Presidents Day — after King's birthday, the least-observed of U.S. holidays."
Even Google, which decorates its site for nearly any occasion, doesn't have a tribute to King.
LAist pleads guilty to enjoying a three-day weekend, but we recognize what today means. It took 15 years of struggle in Congress to get a national holiday honoring King, who shared with us the dream of a country united and worked tirelessly to make the dream a reality. The civil rights leader helped to make this nation a better place; he gave hope when it seemed that hope was lost.
We agree with Hutchinson: "Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. is honoring the best that America ever was." Enjoy the holiday.
