Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

I was very curious to find out how Martin Luther King JR Day came to be recognized a national holiday, so I did a little research. I don’t know why I never thought to see how much work went into holiday. However, I always knew how important Civil Rights movement was and the sacrifice many people had to go through to ensure that all Americans would be treated equally.

Did you know that Martin Luther King JR day was signed in as a federal holiday by Ronald Regan in 1986 which was 18 years after King’s assassination? Did you know that this holiday was not observed by all 50 states until the year 2000? Why did it take so long for the nation to observe this holiday of such a great man who represented such a great cause?

Well, only two other people have U.S. holidays named after them. Christopher Columbus has Columbus Day and we also observe George Washington’s birthday which is sometimes referred to as President’s Day. The problem with recognizing another national holiday accredited to King was primarily the cost of having another paid holiday and some law makers didn’t feel that King was important enough to have a holiday named after him, especially since he didn’t hold an office.

Because of the lack of Federal support, the King Center turned to the public community. With the support of Stevie Wonder they collected 6 million signatures in petition to recognize Martin Luther King JR Day as a holiday at the Rally for Peace Press Conference in 1981. This was the largest petition in favor of any issue in U.S. history. That spawned the bill being introduced to Congress in 1983 and it passed overwhelmingly in 1986.

I challenge you now to learn one new thing about the Civil Rights movement. We need to remember the lives and the noble deeds of the people who made our country a much better place to live. To forget would be ungrateful and I am glad that we have Martin Luther King JR Day not just to remember King, but also one of the greatest movements in history!

On September 30, Root Road played 3 songs at a writer’s night house party hosted by Lara Landon in Nashville, TN. This event happens on Fridays and provides a friendly atmosphere for Christian artists of all backgrounds to share their talent with a captive audience of both spectators and other artists. Their was no shortage of talent that night, however, there was a shortage of space due to the large attendance. It was a full house…literally! Songs were sung, poems where read, and many snacks were consumed. Although the last performer ended near 10 pm, the fellowship, prayers, and songs flowed through the rest of the night. It was a refreshing experience for all to be able to be surrounded by such an collection of both talented and sincere people.

Click Here to watch Root Road play their original “Masterpiece” that night, or go to our YouTube Channel.

For the first time, Root Road played a show in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis welcomed Root Road with amazing southern hospitality and a warm spirit to their music. The show was hosted at the Buntyn Presbyterian Church on Wednesday September 14. This event was the first of many more like it’s kind, whose purpose is to not only entertain and provide refreshments, but also share the love of God through song. With nearly 30 people in attendance, the concert was a success and enjoyed by all. If you happen to miss the show and want to see the guys perform on camera, check out www.youtube.com/rootroad . Click Here for some exclusive footage of the whole crew setting up and having fun!

Shamu is our Orca Friend

On June 23, the guys of Root Road decided to call upon an old friend for their show at the Sodium. Located in Franklin, Tennessee, the Sodium is a new non-profit recreation facility which is sponsored by local churches. The Sodium also is a musical venue that host many shows through the year, one of which, Root Road was invited to perform.

In the middle of their 45 minute set, they guys brought out Shamu, both the song and the whale…well at least a miniature of an Orca whale. Click Here to view the video. It’s no fish story!

You can also get the song Shamu and many more Root Road songs as ringtones for free on your phone by going to Myxer.com CLICK HERE to get your FREE ringtones now or text ROOTROAD on your cell phone to 69937!

July 12 Root Road played live in Nashville at Hotel Indigo for CSMI (Christian Songwriters and Musicians International) song writer’s night. The guys were part of an hour slot that included such great artists like Lara Landon, Rachael Mann, and Carrie Moeller. The event was also part of a online radio show. Root Road performed their new song “Come Alive,” along with fan favorite “By Your Side” and an oldie “Amazing”. Click Here to view the guys performing Come Alive!