"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." -- the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.,"Letter from Birmingham Jail."

It is sad we only set aside one day in the year to remember a man who strove for social and economic equality in the face of tremendous turmoil. King's leadership in the Civil Rights Movement must be remembered.

Unfortunately, the University apparently doesn't view King's birthday important enough to warrant more recognition than a couple of planned speeches and a special flavor of ice cream at the University Creamery.

In order to keep King's dream alive, professors should set aside time in classes today to talk about the Civil Rights movement and King's nonviolent teachings. Just because the University doesn't mandate remembrance doesn't mean you can't take things into your own hands.

The University has always had a problem knowing just how to recognize this holiday. Take for instance, the debacle theme dinner of fried chicken and collard greens in University dining halls two years ago, which prompted members of the minority community to cry racism. Last year, dining halls offered birthday cake to students as a celebration of the civil rights leader. Somehow, that was supposed to sufficiently remember King's teachings.

At least University officials are on the right track this year. They should be commended for bringing speakers to campus to further our education -- without an embarrassing theme meal or dessert to trivialize the day.

Attend the planned events, but remember that King's teachings must not be pushed aside after today. The more we learn about injustice, the easier it will be to stop it.

The following will be offered:

-- Walter E. Fauntroy, retired Congressional delegate and King's associate will speak at 7:30 p.m. today in Eisenhower Auditorium.

-- David J. Garrow, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of King will speak at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in 112 Kern.

-- The University Creamery will also offer a 75 cent pecan praline ice cream cone all week in celebration.