We are proud to teach at a high school that opens its doors to the entire community, not just our students. This afternoon, we were honored to host the NAACP Richmond–Madison County Branch as we reflected on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his leadership in advancing equal opportunity and justice for all. Our keynote speaker, Minister James Henry Brooks II, inspired us with remarkable wisdom and passion—especially impressive at just 22 years old.
As part of our celebration, I learned that Stevie Wonder’s song “Happy Birthday,” released in 1980, was written not as a traditional birthday song, but as a call to action urging the nation to honor Dr. King with a national holiday. The song became an anthem for the movement, helping to build public support that ultimately led to Martin Luther King Jr. Day being signed into law in 1983 and first observed in 1986. The song reminds us that advocacy can take many forms—and that art has the power to drive meaningful change.
Christina Young
Madison Central High School
Madison County
Grades 9-12
