Celebrate This Year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Service and Reflection

Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be celebrated this Monday Jan. 20th as it is celebrated the third Monday every year. As we prepare to honor the birth of this legendary civil rights leader, we are reminded that this day is more than a celebration – it is a call to action. It is a time to embody Dr. King’s values by committing ourselves to acts of volunteerism and service in our communities, whenever and however we can.

This year, as the world grapples with various challenges, especially the devastating wildfires in California, we have witnessed an outpouring of compassion and support from around the world. This is reminiscent of Dr. King’s teachings about empathy and collective action which are the foundation of an equitable society.

As far as I can remember, I have celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day all of my life. I have never known what it meant to not celebrate his birthday as a time of reflection and remembrance; to remember who he was and what he meant to all people in this country. As a civil rights leader, Dr. King paved the way through so much sacrifice and struggle. He lived a life of service showing that we can overcome even the greatest obstacles through perseverance and diligence.

As a nation, it is crucial that we honor Dr. King’s example by raising all voices so that we’re each heard and valued equally. Dr. King’s life serves as a reminder that progress is achieved by highlighting and celebrating our differences, not by silencing them.

As we celebrate Dr. King this year, let’s celebrate his legacy while also embodying it through action by volunteering in our communities, sharing our lived experiences, listening to someone else’s opinion, and continuing our work together to uplift each other.

by Makeda Scott, FV@W Communications Associate