Why Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of equality is more important than ever

On January 20, 2025By Littum

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As America remembers the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the head of the Hawaii chapter of the nonprofit NAACP in Hawaii, says King’s message of equality and unity is more important than ever.

“Dr. King was one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century. His message to transcend racial discourse and remain committed to the concept of peace and justice for all humanity resonates with so many people around the globe today,” said Alphonso Braggs, president of the Hawaii NAACP.

King “would say that we have gone too far from the belief that all men are created equal and that we are headed for human destruction unless we come together as one humanity.”

A month after Hawaii became a state in 1959, King visited Oahu to address the first state legislature.

He called Hawaii “a noble example” of progress “in the field of racial harmony and racial justice,” and it inspired his work in the civil rights movement.

King and other civil rights leaders wore plumeria lei during the historic 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Lei was presented by Pastor Abraham Akaka and his congregation at Kawaiahao Church.

“If we guide our actions by love, by the commitment to peace and harmony for future generations, if we are guided by a respect for ourselves and our fellow man, then I believe we can make this nation the very best nation and a nation that others will idolize, Braggs said.

That’s a message being shared at Monday’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Honolulu. The parade starts at 9 on Magic Island, going through Waikiki and ending with a festival at Kapiolani Regional Park, featuring food vendors, live performances and activities.

The Braggs encourage everyone to carry on King’s legacy of social justice year-round.

“I think it is difficult for many people in America today. Because economically we are challenged, many people have problems with health and health care, there are some impending changes in education, but nevertheless we cannot give up hope. We have to believe that if we persevere, the returns of that struggle will benefit our children and our grandchildren.”

A message of aloha forever immortalized in King’s iconic dream.

For more information, visit facebook.com/HonoluluHawaiiNAACP.