Nearly 61 years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. 

The third Monday each year celebrates King’s fight for civil rights in the U.S. 

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” King said in his famous speech. “I have a dream today.” 

Today is a day filled with remembrance and celebration of King’s life and achievements. 

City officials ask the community to take the day to reflect. 

“We encourage residents and our staff to take this opportunity for personal reflection, community service or participation in events organized by local organizations commemorating Dr. King’s teachings and contributions to the civil rights movement,” said city spokesperson Monica Williams. 

Brian Petersheim Jr., Reporter
Brian became part of the InMaricopa team in October 2020, starting as a multimedia intern with a focus on various multimedia tasks. His responsibilities included file organization and capturing photos of events and incidents. After graduating from Maricopa High School in the class of 2021, his internship seamlessly transitioned into a full-fledged job. Initially serving as a dedicated photographer, Brian's role evolved in October 2021 when he took on a new beat as a writer. He is currently pursuing his studies at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Brian's primary focus lies in covering public safety-related stories. In his free time, Brian finds joy in spending quality time with his family and embarking on adventures to explore the landscapes around him.