Yuma reflects on strides made since Martin Luther King Jr.

Today, the nation remembers Martin Luther King Jr.

The holiday lands on Dr. King’s actual birthday this year. He would have been 89 years old today.

Since 1983, the third Monday of January celebrates the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement icon, signed into law by President Ronald Reagan.

The day serves as a time to reflect and honor his lasting legacy in the United States.

Back in 1963, King delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech during the March on Washington and is considered one of the most famous speeches in history.

His non-violent demeanor spoke volumes, as he influenced a nation to strive for a more just society. King took on many other obstacles in his way, all in an effort to make a change .

We ask now, does his message still hold true today?

“I think we’re getting there… I think much of [what] he fought for, he accomplish[ed] ,” said Marlon Lopez.

Tony Brown said that the country still has to come together, but the nation needs to shift focus.

” But it has to start at home, we too busy, in too many foreign countries, dealing with their problems when we have a whole bunch of problems to deal with at home,” Brown added.

“I think we were closer to his dream years ago, but we have gone backwards ,” Lindsay Adams said.

It’s been 50 years since Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination and today’s holiday is considered a day for public service.