Many think of next Monday as a day off of school, but some like to think of it as a day on — a day to celebrate human liberties and give back to those in need.

“I don’t see Monday as a day off — I really don’t,” says J. Herman Blake, professor of educational leadership and policy studies and director of African American studies. “For me it’s almost a sacred day. In my opinion, I would like to see people celebrate American triumph.”

Monday marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national holiday designated to celebrate the life and ideals of King, and many celebrate in their own personal ways.

Leonard Perry, associate dean of students and director of Multicultural Student Affairs, says to him, Monday is a day for personal reflection.

“That day for me is a particular day of remembrance of the individual and what he and his family sacrificed,” he says. “It is also a day to reflect on the spirit that surrounded that change.”

Perry says that although he knows what Monday is to him, others have to decide for themselves what Monday is a time for.

“I truly believe that every individual in recognition of this day has to determine for themselves how they celebrate or reflect.”

Dimitra Jackson, graduate assistant in educational leadership and policy studies, says the idea of Monday not being a structured holiday symbolizes what King believed in — freedom of individuals.

“I think it’s good that it is not so structured,” Jackson says. “People express their thoughts on what it is in different ways.”

Blake says people can celebrate King by giving to the community.

“If people are going to get involved in things, I think they should get involved in activities of community service — community engagement, which speaks to the broader community,” he says. “Martin Luther King [Jr.] was a strong advocate for the poor of all backgrounds … There is enough for people to get engaged with in dealing with the poor, the oppressed and the conditions of war that young people and old people can find a lot to do.”

Blake says the tsunami relief effort is a perfect example of how one can become involved in working for people in need while reflecting on the messages about which King preached. He says there are many ways in which one can perform service that gives to the community.

“There are shelters for battered women and there are places where young people go seeking release from difficult circumstances that can use volunteer service and volunteer work,” Blake says. “Anything that helps people who have not had opportunity to overcome is important.”

Erica Carnes, a senior in political science and co-president of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, agrees and says Monday is a day to reach out to others.

“I think Monday is definitely not just a day off, but a day that should be embraced,” Carnes says.

“I think we forget there are people out there that need help other than during Christmastime, and it being right after Christmas, a lot of the food pantries are in need of help and donations.”

No matter how people wish to celebrate the holiday, Carnes says King’s messages are still relevant today, and that is why it is important to remember what he fought for and honor his life in any way possible.

“I think it is really important because there are huge issues of discrimination today, especially with the war in Iraq, and I think we need to realize what his fight was for, but to also put it in our own words, and look at how we are treating others today,” Carnes says.

Blake says on Monday he would like people to celebrate American triumph and realize it is a day for all people to celebrate how far America has come.

“It has been the diligent and hard work of African Americans and Americans of every other color and creed. It cannot be assumed that it’s a day for one group, and it is that triumph that I would like to see celebrated,” he says.