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As the nation celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, we were reminded of King’s role in the history of our country.

Born in Georgia, King was most known for his role in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He also promoted economic equality — and did it all without using violence.
King had a passion for the things he advocated for, which is something we all can learn from.

As we reflect back on the things he did in his life, we remember something he once said: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”

While King was likely referring to the happenings of that time, this quote can still apply to us today.

If we don’t like the direction something is going, we have to get involved. We can’t simply have a hope something will change.

We have to do something.

Speak out, offer solutions and play an active role in making tough situations better.

This can be true on every level. Whether it is helping at your child’s school, volunteering to serve the community through a service club, attending City Council meetings, fundraising for a community cause, writing letters to this newspaper or something else altogether, we must get involved.

We can make a difference — we just have to put forth some effort.

During the process you’ll find, in return, you’ll learn new things, discover new talents and build relationships — all while positively impacting the world around you.

In honor of King, we encourage you to speak out about things that matter. What matters to you may not matter to the next person, but find something that you’re passionate about, and get involved.