(01/12/2024) To honor and recognize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., students at Anoka High School (AHS) created a “We Have a Dream” wall in the entryway of the school. Students posted quotes and photos of Dr. King, while also adding some of their own dreams to the wall.
The student project, which was inspired by Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, was guided by AHS student achievement advisor, Vivienne Williamson. She said, “The goal of the project was to help students understand who Martin Luther King, Jr. was and what he stood for — and that’s peace.”
The project was on display ahead of the Monday, Jan. 15 holiday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Many students stopped to view the wall and took time to read what other students had written. View photos of the “We Have a Dream” wall at AHS.
What they’re saying:
“This project is very important to me because it keeps people informed about the life of MLK, Jr. It also helps to keep the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. and all of his accomplishments alive. As a black student, I see Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as someone who made dreams possible for people of color and anyone who ever doubted their worth or gave up because of the color of their skin. His speech “I Have A Dream” personally motivates me to not give up my dreams and keep on going until I make it.” - Salomie Courage Zeon, AHS 11th grader.
“Making the MLK Day project was really important to me because people my age think of this day as just a day off of school. They never remember and honor who the day is about and why we celebrate. So making this project really touched me and made me feel like I was doing my part, while honoring this day and honoring him. It also makes me remember that without civil rights and leaders like Dr. King, I wouldn’t have the opportunities that I have to this day. That’s why I will continue to appreciate and celebrate him for everything he went through. Because of Dr. MLK, Jr., we, the future generation, won’t have to deal with those hardships.” - Varney Kiawu, AHS 10th grader.
The date, explained: The district is closed Monday, Jan. 15 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It’s a federal holiday in the United States observed on the third Monday of January, honoring the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who advocated the use of nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement.
