By Kelsi Peace, Managing Editor

This April marks forty years since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, four decades which have done little to fade the memory of a man who stood up to the nation and demanded justice and equality.

King’s persistant message of love, peace and character rings true today as well.

American children recite his “I Have A Dream” speech and study his diligent fight against racism in the hostile climate of the 60s, honoring this man and, I can only hope, learning an invaluable lesson in speaking the truth and advocating justice.

Those who see MLK Day as simply a day to sleep in and take a paid vacation forget too quickly all King contributed to the country.

Nothing better illustrates the changes our society has made than the diverse Democratic presidential candidates – a white woman, a black man and a white man.

While issues of race and sex have surfaced as the candidates vie for support, Americans overall seem to be judging the candidates not on the color of their skin, but on the content of their character.

Regrettably, it is the candidates themselves who appear to be politicizing the race, with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama supporters each accusing the other camp of aiming racial issues as a means to improve ratings.

Monday found the rivals in Columbia, S.C., addressing crowds with a Confederate flag flying in the background. Such a friendly display among rivals would be more heartwarming were it not for the Saturday South Carolina primary.

And if the candidates’ underhanded use of racial issues for political gain wasn’t a reminder of the growth our nation must still undergo, the flapping Confederate flag certainly makes for an excellent illustration of the racial rift that continues to plague our country.

Again, King taught an excellent lesson in persistently preaching truth, and Monday should remind us that we still need to hear his hopeful message – not simply remember it. Progress takes time, but as long as people like Martin Luther King will advocate change, we still have a chance.

Even the memorial holiday took 15 years to create, after Congressman John Conyers (D-Mich.) introduced a bill to create the holiday four days after King’s assassination, according to www.infoplease.com.

The bill stalled, and it wasn’t until 1983, after the civil rights marches in 1982 and earlier in 1983 that President Reagan signed it into law.

Finally, in 1993, all 50 states recognized Martin Luther King day.

With a war in Iraq, upcoming presidential elections, an economic recession and dramatic changes across the world, America sits on the cusp of a great deal of change.

I hope Monday reminded us not only that Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work was invaluable and vital to our country’s character, but that Monday also reminded us we need his message today, as well, as we seek truth for our country.

In the words of King:

“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”