The late John Lewis once said, “When you see something that is not right, not just, not fair, you have a moral obligation to say something. To do something.” 

At Masters, we as a community have an obligation to say something when we see something unjust, something that is not right. The beauty of our community is that within it exist so many unique perspectives––people of all ethnicities, racial identities, sexual orientations, gender identities, socioeconomic statuses and backgrounds. As a result, we each “see” our own unique injustices. We are all learning to speak up–but the truth of the matter is that not everyone is heard in the same way. Black students in the community weren’t truly listened to until an Instagram account demanded the attention their voices had so long deserved. The hard work of the maintenance staff is often taken for granted. 

On the other hand, some voices in our community are heard quite often. It is so easy for many of us to talk on and on into oblivion, without any real regard for those who are never given a chance to step up to the podium. It is time for those whose voices have been amplified time and time again to sit back, and to listen–with intention. 

As a community–and as a school newspaper–it is our job to step up and do everything in our power to create opportunities for those who are seldom heard. That was the theme of this year’s MLK celebration.

The theme of last year’s MLK day was “Speaking, Hearing and Opening Up Together,” and what that sentiment must further address is that some people are rarely given the opportunity to stand up, speak, and be heard. These unheard voices aren’t off lurking somewhere in mysterious shadows, they are sitting right next to you.