5 Important Ways to Celebrate MLK JR. Day
Sherline Heriveaux, Senior Marketing Manager, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has contributed meaningful impact to the world. Every year, we celebrate his vision, courage, and influence as we honor his commitment to civil rights. MLK JR. Day is an important time to pause and reflect on the continuation of his legacy while also thinking of ways to keep making our communities and world a better, more equitable place for all. For this January 16 holiday, here are five ways to educate, motivate, and celebrate!
Read the Books and Watch the Speeches
Education will never go out of style! This MLK JR. Day, visit your local bookstore or library branch and peruse their Dr. King section. You’ll be sure to find great selections of literature that explore the Reverend’s life from childhood to adulthood. Consider purchasing books for the younger people in your life. It’s important that children and adults alike learn real history, discuss the lessons, and ask lingering questions that encourage continued education. Watching Dr. King’s speeches is a great way to accompany the books. While the “I Have a Dream” speech on Washington is the most famous, consider researching and discovering the many other motivational and inspirational words and works of the Baptist Reverend.
Volunteer Your Time
January 16 doubles as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and a National Day of Service. MLK JR. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to center community, togetherness, and acts of service. This day is the perfect opportunity for friends, families, neighbors, or colleagues to gather and volunteer their time at non-profit organizations, shelters, food banks, or health centers.
Visit an MLK JR. Memorial or Attend an Art Show
This upcoming long weekend is an excellent opportunity to visit an MLK JR. Memorial site or attend a themed art show. MLK JR. Memorials can be found all over the U.S. in states such as Washington D.C., Georgia, Alabama, and California. If you’re planning to stay local, the unveiling of “The Embrace” Memorial is happening today, January 13, at 1 PM, on the Boston Common. The bronze sculpture of an embrace shared between Dr. King and his wife Coretta Scott King has been five years in the making. This installation is a game changer for the city of Boston that is sure to continue the necessary conversations around social justice, race, and equity.
Click here for more information on the unveiling of the sculpture!
Support Black-Owned Businesses
MLK JR. Day presents an opportunity to discover and support Black-owned businesses. Don’t start and stop there, you can make the effort to center BIPOC, women-owned and small businesses all year long. Creating impact means change at every level, and that includes the power of purchase and funding. This year, contribute to the success of businesses that need your support the most. This is one sure way to create lasting impact and true equity in your community and city.
Support a Movement or Cause
Getting involved in social justice does not have to be overwhelming. From neighborhood groups, churches, schools, workplaces, and online spaces, there are various causes and movements to learn about and support. The best way to start is to decide what you are the most passionate about, how you can create change, and how the solutions will create positive effects. Supporting a movement or cause can be amplifying others’ voices and platforms, signing online petitions, joining a march, or donating funds.