Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What Are You Doing For Others?’”  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

What comes to mind when you hear about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day?  Most Americans recognize it as a day of remembrance of the life and work of Dr. King.  However, what many people don’t realize is that it is also the only federal holiday that is observed as a National Day of Service.  As a result, it is referred to a “day on, not a day off.”  It was established to encourage Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

Dr. Martin Luther King Dedicated His Life to Serving Others

Dr. King believed that, by serving others, one could make the world a better place.  His commitment to service also included nonviolent resistance to overcoming injustice.  When I was growing up in Atlanta, I heard stories about Dr. King’s peaceful protests and marches for equal rights.  He was the forerunner whose selflessness and courage inspired me to be a voice for others and to make a difference wherever I could.

If Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were alive today, what would he say about the changes that have occurred since he made his famous “I Have a Dream” speech?  I believe that he would be pleased to see that his message of equality and service to others still resonates today with people from all walks of life.  I think that he would also have a sense of satisfaction in knowing that others have responded in such great numbers to his call to serve others in their community.

Dr. King was an optimist, I believe, and rightfully so!  This was evidenced in one of his most prophetic statements:  “When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe, working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows.  Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.”  His optimism was not in vain—we have come so far.  However, we also acknowledge that we have further to go if we want to fully realize Dr. King’s vision.

We Continue Dr. King’s Mission by Serving Others

To honor Dr. King’s mission, here’s a suggestion to consider.  This upcoming Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, have your children spend the day doing service work in the community.  Not only will it be a way to give back, but it is also an opportunity to introduce your child to different types of volunteer work.  This is especially beneficial if your child is ready to begin exploring ways to reach their college admission application goals involving volunteer work experience.

The city of Atlanta, like many metropolitan areas, offers several venues for students and adults to give back to their communities on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In fact, many places call his birthday, MLK’s Day of Service, emphasizing the idea of fostering social justice through service.  Many service opportunities have moved to a virtual platform.  Click HERE to view current MLK event opportunities in the metro Atlanta area.

As always, Dynamis Learning Academy is here to assist you and your child.  Reach out to our owner, Helen Panos, by emailing her at helen@dynamislearningacademy.com or by calling 770-282-9931.