Martin Luther King Jr

17 01, 2022

MLK Day 2022 – A Day On, Not a Day Off

By |2022-01-16T15:24:32-06:00January 17th, 2022|Holidays|0 Comments

Today we mark the 27th anniversary of the national day of service. The day was set up to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

Martin Luther King day began in 1986 as a day to recognize the man. Dr. King was a husband, father, friend, and fierce advocate for the betterment of all people. You can read more of his life here: https://nationaltoday.com/martin-luther-king-jr-day/

Dr. King advocated for nonviolent resistance to overcome injustice. He organized sit-ins, marches, and peaceful demonstrations that highlighted issues of inequality. Through his nonviolent activism during the civil rights movement, he changed things for others. His actions earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

In 1994, Congress changed the designation to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service – “A Day On, Not a Day Off.”

SOURCE: DoDEA

Dr. King believed life’s most persistent and urgent question was

“What are you doing for others?”

This day offers an opportunity to reflect on the past, think about the present, plan for the future, and remind us of what is truly important. A day to make a commitment to engage with your community and honor the legacy of Dr. King.

Whatever you choose to do today, think about my favorite Dr. King quote:

“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

18 01, 2021

To Think About on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

By |2022-01-16T15:34:37-06:00January 18th, 2021|Holidays, Make Me Think Monday|0 Comments

Today is a day set aside to honor  Martin Luther King, Jr. and his accomplishments. It is also a federal holiday dedicated to a day of service.

Dr. King’s attitude on service was clear.

Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.

King’s words offer introspect and inspiration to find a project that forwards his vision and participate. While today’s coronavirus restrictions and lockdowns disrupt plans for many in-person celebrations and volunteering efforts, there are plenty of safe virtual activities available.

This NYT article has suggestions from several different areas of the country. A Google search using your locale will bring up local opportunities.

If you’re into parades, Houston offers their annual parade virtually on January 18, from 10 a.m. to noon on HTV and via Facebook on the Original MLK Day Parade page.

Dr. King’s nonviolent activism during the civil rights movement changed things. He passionately believed

“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”

MLK, Jr. Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the past, think about the present, plan for the future, and remember what is truly important–We are all in the same boat now.

Let’s make this boat we’re in a better place.

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