Today, the United States celebrates Martin Luther King Day on the third Monday of January each year. The day is a federal holiday that commemorates the civil rights leader and his work to advance racial equality. To commemorate MLK Day, many people take part in volunteer activities or special events that promote the values of justice, peace, and service.
One of the most popular ways to celebrate MLK Day is through marches and parades. During these events, civil rights leaders and politicians often give speeches that honor the legacy of Dr. King. Other meaningful activities include reading books together, watching videos, volunteering, sharing dreams with others, and participating in local community events.
In addition, AmeriCorps encourages all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities on MLK Day. Organizations such as Idealist, JustServe, and VolunteerMatch make it easy to find self-starter project ideas, toolkits, and volunteer opportunities near you. AmeriCorps also awards grants to various organizations to help them host MLK Day events and engage volunteers. For example, in 2023, 17 grants totaling $3 million were awarded to organizations across the nation to support the MLK Day of Service.
MLK Day is an important day for the US to recognize and honor the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to social justice and equity. It is a day to reflect on the progress we have made and to recommit to working towards creating a more equitable and just world.
