By Gary Stern
On Monday, January 18th, our nation will celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. At this pivotal and unprecedented moment in our nation’s history, it seems entirely apropos to reflect upon Dr. King’s contribution and legacy. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s and 1960’s, Dr. King inspired America to live up to the true meaning of its creed outlined in the Declaration of Independence, that all men and women are created equal and entitled to the inalienable rights of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” During his acclaimed “I Have a Dream” speech at the 1963 March on Washington, Dr. King envisioned a day when all people would ultimately be judged not by the color of their skin but by the “content of their character.” Fifty-eight years after Dr. King echoed these profound words the ongoing journey and struggle for equality and justice endures. We must embrace this unique moment in time with unwavering momentum and individually and collectively deepen and strengthen our resolve and commitment to challenge our nation, our communities, and ourselves to engage in the ongoing pursuit of guaranteeing equality and justice for all.
As we embark upon 2021 with the eternal hope for a brighter tomorrow that defines the American spirit, Dr. King’s words and actions resonate with profound significance. We are fortunate to reside in the Los Angeles/Pasadena area, among the most diverse, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multilingual cities in the world. At High Point, we are an interconnected community that celebrates the many cultures and traditions of all students and families. We are an incredibly rich mosaic of cultures, ethnicities, languages, and backgrounds. We embrace this rich mosaic. We embrace every aspect of who we are both individually and collectively. We realize we are all united by a core of common values. Above all, we are united in the words of Dr. King by the “content of our character.”
Gary Stern
Head of School
High Point Academy Blog 