Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday in January each year. It marks the birthday of the civil rights legend whose courage and activism changed history and the lives of the American people.
From the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom to the civil rights and voting rights acts, Dr. King’s words and vision continue to resonate with people who are seeking social and economic justice around the world.
This year, many of us are still working remotely and social distancing due to the pandemic, but there are things we all can do at home to celebrate his legacy and carry on his vision.
1. Do something for your local community, such as make a donation or volunteer at a food bank to help those in need during the pandemic, get more involved with your AFGE local to help fight for workplace rights, or identify an injustice, do research and act on it.
2. Attend the upcoming AFL-CIO MLK Day conference to be held virtually on Jan. 16-17. AFGE National President Everett Kelley will be recognized with the “Eyes on the Prize” award at this year’s conference.
3. Watch his legendary “I Have a Dream” speech at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
4. Learn more about Dr. King and his legacy.
Check out The King Center, established in 1968 by Dr. King’s wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King. They have several upcoming virtual events the MLK week. Check out Stanford University’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute and its Papers Project.
5. Take a virtual tour of the Civil Rights Museum.
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