How We Can Continue Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy Today

[ChrisJSWA]

Each year, I celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Day by spending time with my family and friends and reflecting on how many great people sacrificed their freedom—and in some cases their lives—so that we all could be equal and live together in harmony. I never take that for granted.

I think it’s important to celebrate MLK Day because his message of civility was important during this time and it is still important and needed today. We have such a diverse country. That is one of the things that makes this the greatest country in the world. It’s vital for our society to appreciate each other and show respect to one other even when there is a difference in opinion.

Chris Johnson with his daughters, Chantel and Charnel Johnson, who are both Southwest Flight Attendants based in Phoenix.Chris Johnson with his daughters, Chantel and Charnel Johnson, who are both Southwest Flight Attendants based in Phoenix.Martin Luther King’s teachings have had a major impact on how I approach life. He influenced people worldwide and promoted the importance of harmony among people. I have raised my family with the same belief that we are all created equal. We should treat each other with kindness, and appreciate and value each other’s differences. I have been fortunate to be a part of Southwest Airlines for 28 years. One of the things that I value most is that we have Employees from all backgrounds of life. We welcome each other and have an environment that’s warm and inclusive.

While it’s hard to choose a favorite quote or teaching from Martin Luther King, Jr. because there are so many great ones, my favorite is, “The time is always right to do what is right.” This quote is important to me because during the course of your day, you are faced with many decisions. Most of the decisions affect other people. It is so important for us to follow the Golden Rule and choose to make the right decision even if it is the harder decision.

I hope each of you will find a way to take a moment to think about how important MLK and other civil rights leaders are to our history. I hope you will practice civility, even in difficult situations. This is a great way to honor MLK and so many others that made the ultimate sacrifice.  

Today, I would like to challenge each of you to share your favorite quote or lesson learned from Martin Luther King, Jr. with a friend or loved one. This will ensure that the lessons that MLK taught us will continue to be passed on for generations to come.

Share how you celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the comments below.