Dear Editor:Today we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Today we celebrate the life of an American hero, who changed the course of history, and made a difference in the lives of all Americans.

As a graduate student, here East Tennessee State University, I write to my fellow students, and dare them to do the same.

I ask you to remember King as a man of the living God who faced death, with the courage of Daniel in the lions’ den, who marched where angels feared to tread, and who used nonviolence and peaceful means to change an evil world that fought against change.

King fought for justice for all equality for all and changed forever the American landscape. He showed Americans that one must speak up and speak out against injustice, that no matter what the consequences may be, truth, love, courage can conquer evil, that to stand firm, when others run away and to stand for justice when injustice stands in the way of love, peace, for we live in a world that needs change, and it is up to you my fellow students to carry the torch of hope, justice, and love for your fellow man, and King passed it on to you.

In conclusion, I am grateful to Martin Luther King Jr. for making a difference and for fighting for justice where justice failed to fight.

He once said, “I judge a man by the content of his character and not by the color of his skin.” He also said, “A time comes when silence is betrayal.” – Martin L. King

I dare you my fellow students, to do better.

-Tommy Birchfield