Forum: Continuing Dr. King’s work requires a year-round commitment
Published 1:30 am Saturday, January 17, 2026
By Kevin P. Henry / Herald Forum
This weekend, many Americans will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his transformative civil rights work.
Unfortunately, we are witnessing renewed, fervent efforts to distort, diminish or discredit his contributions; often by weaponizing selective history or spreading rumors designed to tarnish his reputation.
In today’s growing climate opposed to efforts for diversity, equity and inclusion, these attempts do more than target Dr. King; they undermine our collective understanding of why his work remains vital, both in the past and the present. It also attacks Black history overall and keeps all of us uninformed, misinformed and lacking awareness. This condition provides fertile ground for racism, hate and apathy. The increase in race-based hostility and the antics and policies of the current presidential administration currently reflect this obsession in denigrating African Americans in myriad ways.
Throughout my career as a speaker, writer and trainer, January, February and June are always my busiest months, centered around MLK Jr. Day, Black History Month, and Juneteenth. Organizations rush to host programs, workshops and celebrations. But after the “cultural” box is checked, many of these contacts disappear until the next January. Shouldn’t we talk about the highly relevant work of Dr. King all year round?
To be fair, I don’t doubt the earnestness behind many of these requests. People want to honor Dr. King and educate their communities. Yet these commemorations often resemble required, seasonal performances rather than part of sustained commitments. When the topic of racial equality is treated as a once-a-year obligation, we trivialize the very movements that are pertinent to all of us, regardless of our skin color and religious backgrounds.
Dr. King’s legacy is not just a holiday and a day off. It is an ongoing personal responsibility; one that requires continuous learning, courageous conversations and structural change.
Let’s celebrate and learn from Dr. King’s legacy, especially now, as our social climate is shaped by political attempts to suppress, dilute, or distort the black historical experience.
While the truth is currently under attack, Dr. King’s voice becomes even more essential; guiding us toward justice, accountability and an honest understanding of who we are as a nation.
In Everett, there are two free opportunities to attend and participate in events that commemorate and educate the public about Dr. King’s message of peace and racial unity.
• A Community Celebration is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church, 2936 Rockefeller Ave., Everett.
• An MLK Jr. Day March and Rally are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning at Everett Memorial Stadium, 3900 Broadway, Everett, followed by a rally at the VOAWW Carl Gipson Center, 3025 Lombard Ave., Everett.
If we truly wish to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we must carry the work into every day and month of the year, not just the ones circled on the calendar.
Kevin P. Henry is a consultant, trainer, journalist and president of KPH Media. He lives in the Puget Sound region.
