Reflecting on Dr. King's Legacy

(Editor's note: The following was written by Carlos Villatoro, editor of Dixon Patch.)

When I was young, we often heard about Martin Luther King Jr.'s many battles against inequality, racism and hatred. But it wasn't until I was older that I really began to realize the importance of the struggle for civil rights and Dr. King's role.

Today, I see his legacy live in numerous ways. Take, for example, the election of President Barack Obama. Never did I think I would see a black man become the president of the United States, a country that has struggled with racial inequality since its birth.

Then I think of all the great sporting figures we enjoy watching on the television screen — everyone from Labron James to Frank Gore. Would sports be as enjoyable to watch if not everyone had a fair opportunity to partipate, regardless of their race? How much do we owe trailblazers such as Jackie Robinson?

As far as entertainment goes, there would be no Oprah Winfrey, Steve Harvey, Beyonce or Black Eyed Peas if the unwritten rules of the vaudeville era were still in place. Who would want to live in a world like that?

Thinking about Martin Luther King Jr. without thinking about his faith is hard for me to do. He was a man of God, and by having a deep belief in the man upstairs, he had the strength to carry on the mission of racial equality in the United States under the most dangerous situations. 

Today, Novato Patch honors Dr. King on this special day of reflection.

In what ways do you see Dr. King's legacy living on today? How could we improve race relations in the United States?