Martin Luther King, Jr.; photo courtesy of Wikimedia

Today marks the day we honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the famous civil rights leader who fought for equality 50 years ago. Several area schools do not have classes today as they observe the holiday, including Mid-Prairie, Highland, and Keota. Mid-Prairie Superintendent Mark Schneider feels it’s important to remember Dr. King’s life and work, especially in today’s society, saying, “He was a central figure in our nation’s history, on working towards racial equality. I think race relations and racial equality is just as important now as it was 50 years ago.” Schneider said the school used to have classes on MLK Day, and they would have assemblies and activities throughout the day. However, 8-10 years ago they decided to give students the day off in observation, with teachers doing their own remembrances in the classroom.