As the week is coming to an end, students are thrilled to be able to start to enjoy their three day weekend. Although, many do not realize the importance of the reason why we have this extended weekend, but only focusing on their extra day off.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, also known as MLK Jr. Day, takes place on Monday, Jan. 18. It is a day to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, a man who brought peace to segregation everywhere in the United States. Many organizations across the nation plan celebratory events to honor this day, including Columbus’s own IUPUC.

An instructor at IUPUC, James Byrd, is an active volunteer of the event every year.

“This event takes place on MLK Day on the IUPUC campus, around lunchtime,” Byrd said. “It is a great opportunity to learn more about why we take this day so seriously.”

A speaker is said to give a verbal contribution to Martin Luther King Jr. and give people an understanding of what he did.

“There will be free lunch and more food provided,” Byrd said. “It is just a great way to get in touch with this day.”