Hello Meltingpot Community,
I’m sure we all know that Monday is Martin Luther King Day, the day many Americans get the day off from work so they can perform some type of community service. Even though it is now technically a federal holiday, word on these liberal streets is that MLK Day isn’t a day off, it’s a day on.
Where I live, there are so many opportunities to celebrate MLk Day. On Monday, any willing citizen can do service projects – from making sandwiches for the homeless to painting walls at gratified schools – sponsored by social service agencies, universities, even my daughter’s girl scout troop is planning a way for the girls and their families to “give back.” There really does seem to be something for everyone, but is there really?
The Black Pass on MLK Day
First of all, I do have some feelings about making African Americans and other historically oppressed people of color whose lives have been in continuous service and sacrifice to this country, participate in a day to honor Dr. King. How about, in honor of Dr. King, Black and brown people get a real day off, that is a day off from work; a day off from racism; a day off from oppression; and a day off from white supremacy? Clearly all of that’s not going to happen by Monday, but we could at least just get a day off from work. Right?
But let’s just say you are a person of color who does want to honor Dr. King in some way on Monday by doing something significant. Or let’s say you’re a white person who is committed to honoring the dream, but maybe still has to work or might live in an area where there isn’t a plethora of pre-planned activities to take part in. Don’t worry, I got you covered. A few years ago, I wrote a post with five ideas on how to celebrate MLK day if you were strapped for time or didn’t have an organized activity to attend. Well, with some minor updates, those ideas still work.
Five Easy (But Impactful) Ways to Celebrate MLK Day
1. Go see the movie Just Mercy to get inspired and understand that regular people make a difference, not miracle workers. And take a teenager with you if you know one. After the movie, discuss over hot chocolate at a Black-owned restaurant or cafe.
2. Educate yourself and buy a good book about social justice, racism and/or poverty. Make sure, on this day, you buy a book written by a Black or brown author (Because bonus points. You’re educating yourself and supporting the work of Black writers). Need some suggestions, try How to be Less Stupid About Race, Stamped from the Beginning and/or How to Be an AntiRacist.
3. Do a google search and find an organization that supports social justice. On your lunch break, make a phone call and find out what kind of volunteer needs they have, then sign up for when it is convenient for you. This is far more impactful than a one-day activity and works with your schedule.
4. Write a check for an organization that is doing good work. Do not overlook the impact of a dollar. If you don’t have the time to volunteer your time, your dollars can support those who do. And give generously.
5. Sign a petition on Change.org that is advocating for some aspect of social justice. Lending your voice to a cause is the easiest and yet potentially most powerful thing you can do.
Okay, Meltingpot community. Now you have five easy ways to celebrate Dr. King on his birthday. Pick one and make me proud. Make yourself proud and make Dr. King proud too.
Peace!
