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.
Here are a few ideas:
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.
AFGE locals representing 250,000 Department of Defense workers across the country are mounting an aggressive campaign in response to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s illegal action to terminate most of our collective bargaining agreements.
Federal employees serve our country in so many ways, and most go unnoticed for their efforts. That’s why it’s especially important to recognize and honor the dedicated public servants who work tirelessly every day.
Since 1949, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a time set aside to raise awareness of mental health issues, decrease the stigma attached to mental illness, and encourage people to take care of their mental and emotional well-being.