Martin Luther King Jr. day is celebrated every year on the third Monday of January, near to the birthday of late Martin Luther King Jr. You likely know how MLK fought in the civil rights movement to achieve racial equality using non-violent protest. But why celebrate his birthday almost 57 years after he was assassinated?

The charge that MLK led ended up changing the US for the better. His speeches inspired millions and his tactics were effective. He led the civil rights movement, and in turn, led the US towards a new path of racial equality. We celebrate the holiday, not just to parade around MLK and sing happy birthday to him, but to reflect on where we came from, how far we have come, and how far we need to go.

Getting a day off school is nice, but don’t let that be the entirety of MLK day for you. Take a second to, maybe, read up a bit on his life or his legacy, maybe take a moment to reflect on society today. You have the extra time off, after all. And if you don’t, at least enjoy knowing why you have the day off.