Martin Luther King is one of America’s greatest icons of the 20th century, his powerful speeches gave a direction to the non-violent arm of the struggle for civil rights in America before he was senselessly taken from us by a snipers bullet. Since 1986 America has honored him with the third Monday of every January being put aside to celebrate this remarkable man’s life. Regardless of color or creed it is a day for Americans to celebrate the freedoms that he helped to bring to them. Here are some Martin Luther King Day party idea to help honor the great man.

A party to celebrate him could take several themes, perhaps a black power themed fancy dress party with revelers dressing as recognizable figures of the 1950s and 60s black power movement such as Malcolm X, Rosa Parks or Bobby Searle wearing black panther or 1960s clothing to recognize African-American histories greatest leaders.

If fancy dress is a little crass or tasteless for something so important, a more respectful ceremony could involve gathering with friends to watch his greatest speeches and discuss his achievements, helping us to appreciate how far that we have come and the freedoms from racial discrimination that all races now enjoy in modern America.

Because of the political implications of Dr King day, some Americans have shied away from honoring a struggle still so fresh in the country’s memory and observe the holiday as Human Rights Day. Perhaps honoring the struggle for human rights around the world is more appropriate than celebrating a festival so closely tied to recent and often painful history.

For those who will be observing the day with their family, an educational way to honor the man would be for each family member to prepare speeches honoring the man and his work and speaking for racial and personal equality. It is important for young people to recognize the progress that this great nation has made and the hard work involved in getting here, and the hard work still to do.

In his most famous speech, Martin Luther King said that he had a dream that people of all races and creeds could live in a world where they were judged not by the color of their skin, but the content of their character. However you choose to celebrate him on Martin Luther King Day what is more important is that each and every one of us helps keep his dream alive by treating those around us with respect and dignity whatever your Martin Luther Kind Day party idea may be.