Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. Few speeches in American history are as well-known or as iconic as this one. His ability to inspire and his leadership in non-violent protest made him the face of the American Civil Rights movement. Since 1986, his life and sacrifice have been honored annually with a national holiday in his name on the third Monday of January (Jan. 21 this year). The date was chosen to correspond to King’s birthday, Jan. 15.
This year, Dr. King would have celebrated his 90th birthday, a milestone that will be commemorated throughout the country. For those wishing to join the celebration and honor Dr. King, there are several great ways to get involved.
“A day on, not a day off”
In 1994, a law was passed which designated the national holiday in honor of Dr. King as a National Day of Service. What better way could there be to honor King’s legacy than to spend the day serving the community?
From serving food to those who are hungry to cleaning up a local park or donating warm winter clothes to a shelter, there are volunteer opportunities to fit different skills and abilities. Shovel snow for an elderly neighbor, run errands for a single mom, or spend time reading a book for a child. For more ideas and specific National Day of Service projects, visit the website where you can search for opportunities by location or by category.
In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”
A day on and a day out
Each year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of five entrance fee-free days in America’s National Parks. Currently, because of the partial government shutdown, park rangers are not on duty to collect fees, but MLK Day is still a great day to visit a national park!
From coast to coast, national parks are experiencing problems due to the lack of staff. Without basic services such as emptying trash and cleaning bathrooms, and without rangers to explain and enforce park rules, these beautiful protected lands are at risk. Around the country, volunteers are working hard to clean up the parks, even donating basic supplies such as toilet paper and hand soap.
If the shutdown continues, more help will be needed. On Martin Luther King Day, why not join the effort? Combine your love for the outdoors with a day of service and you can not only enjoy a day in the park, but also help preserve it for others to have the same opportunity.
Follow in his footsteps
While King’s 90th birthday will be commemorated across the country, special celebrations are planned in significant locations from his life. Pack up the RV and take a roadtrip to Atlanta, Memphis, or Washington DC for a poignant and educational long weekend.
Atlanta, GA
At the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site, visitors can tour some of the most important places in King’s life, from the cradle to the grave. See his boyhood home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and his tomb, and learn more about his life in the museum at the visitor center. A full week of events is planned by The King Center in honor of his 90th birthday, including concerts, speakers, service opportunities and a march/rally. The full schedule of events is available from The King Center.
Memphis, TN
The Lorraine Motel in Memphis, where King was assassinated, became the site of the National Civil Rights Museum. A full slate of events is lined up for January 21, including service opportunities, a children’s tent, health screenings, and live entertainment. Visitors can also tour the museum, where the historic facade is still intact and his final motel room has been preserved. Special admission discounts are offered to those donating to the food drive or the blood drive. More information can be found at the museum’s website.
Washington, DC
The “I have a dream…” speech was delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC in 1963. Today, a memorial to King stands a short distance from those steps in the nation’s capital. Special events are planned in the vicinity of the MLK memorial on January 21, including a peace walk and a parade. Anyone is welcome to participate in the parade, but advance registration is required. Registration information and a full schedule of events can be found at mlkholidaydc.org.
*It is unknown at this time how the government shutdown will affect plans for the above events. Please consult the websites or call event hosts for up-to-date information.
More than 50 years after his death, Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream lives on in those who answer his call to love, peace, and change. On January 21, 2019, we will remember, reflect, celebrate and serve. Happy 90th birthday Dr. King!
