NCLR to Pay Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King with Service Projects Across the Country

On Monday, Americans across the country will celebrate and honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. At NCLR, we understand the importance of Dr. King’s work and we aim to embody his message in everything we do.

This year, NCLR and our Affiliate Network will pay tribute to Dr. King with service projects all over the country. Take a look at the list of some of the events happening. If you’re in the area, be sure to do your part to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.

California

January 17
AltaMed Health Services Corporation, Los Angeles

The AmeriCorps members will be beautifying Warren Lane Elementary School. The event is a play day focused on arts beautification and teamwork game. Members will be painting a mural and retouching some of the artwork that’s already on the school.

Contact Sergio Valenzuela: [email protected]

January 17
Youth Policy Institute, Los Angeles

This year’s MLK event will feature collecting and sorting donated goods that include clothing, toiletries, and nonperishable items. Once sorting is complete, they will be donated to Meet Each Need with Dignity (MEND) in Pacoima, where volunteers will distribute to families in need.

Contact Jennifer Servin: [email protected]

Illinois

January 19 and 23
Gads Hill Center, Chicago

Payless Cares is a Payless initiative that provides up to $20 per child to shop at Payless. Members will be setting up in-store events on January 19 and January 23, where a total of 31 needy youth will be eligible to shop for shoes or other clothing items. AmeriCorps members will be paired with students and assist them.

Contact Lisset Gonzalez: [email protected]

Maryland

January 19
Maryland Multicultural Youth Center, Riverdale

The AmeriCorps members at the Maryland Multicultural Youth Center (MMYC) will lead educational and enrichment activities for middle- and high-school youth in Prince George’s County. The goal of the event is to inspire people to continue to work toward equality and reflect on the importance of civil rights in their communities. The event will begin with a PowerPoint presentation prepared by the AmeriCorps members that will discuss Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as past and modern civil right issues. The presentation will also address Dr. King’s legacy in service, the importance of continuing to serve our communities, taking action to inspire others, and seeing what we can all accomplish together. Attendees are invited to reflect on what Dr. King once said: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” The event will also feature Maryland Senator Victor R. Ramirez as its keynote speaker.

Buck Lodge Middle School will be presenting an I Have Dream Mosaic that allows students to paint changes they want to see in their communities. Nicholas Orem Middle School will present inspirational quotes. William Wirt Middle School will present a poem about race. Northwestern High School has composed a skit on discrimination, and High Point High School will be presenting a modern dance tribute against discrimination.

Contact Alyson Moore: [email protected]

Texas

January 19
Southwest Key Programs, Austin

AmeriCorps members will march to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. The march will start at the MLK statue on the grounds of the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to the march, AmeriCorps members will coordinate a small food drive at East Austin College Prep. Members will reach out to teachers and staff to donate nonperishable items in an effort to support the Capital Area Food Bank.

Contact Kristan Silva: [email protected]