How to Celebrate MLK Day During a Global Pandemic

Hello Meltingpot Community,

Next Monday, January 18, is the day we in the United States are supposed to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., the man and his legacy. For the last several years, Americans have been urged to “celebrate” by rolling up their sleeves and doing some sort of community service work, or some type of activity that would get us closer to King’s dream of a world where everybody was treated equally regardless of their race, religion or social class. It’s supposed to be a “Day on,” instead of a “Day off.”

I live in Philadelphia, and here it’s really easy to get involved in any number of MLK service opportunities. From churches, to schools, to universities and major corporations, there are organized projects that people can do with family, friends and co-workers all over town. It’s practically a party. But hello, we’re in the middle of a global pandemic so, gathering in large crowds to do anything, even if Dr. King would have wanted us to, isn’t going to happen.

So, how does one celebrate MLK Day during a global pandemic? Here are some ideas to get you thinking and doing.

How to Celebrate MLK Day During a Global Pandemic

Remember the Reason for the Season

The reason we celebrate MLK day is because, let’s face it, Americans need a national reminder to do better. Even though one day of collective do-gooding isn’t going to solve all of our problems, a lot does get done when thousands of people all across the country are cleaning up, donating, volunteering, and helping their fellow man. So, the “holiday” really is a reminder and an opportunity to pause our day-to-day activities to do something to help society.

Think Local

Even though it’s super helpful to have organized activities that you just have to show up for and then go home, it is possible to do service activities on your own, like putting together gift bags of toiletries for people who don’t have homes. Or simply going out and picking up garbage in your neighborhood or local park. Or even collecting books from your home or friends and donating them to a neighborhood school or community center. Put your thinking cap on, ask what your community needs, and get busy.

Find a Friend

Despite what I just said above, it does make it more fun to do service work in community. While I’m not saying you should breach Covid protocols, you could do an outdoor activity, like picking up trash in a park with one friend. Likewise, you could do an activity like cooking for the food insecure on Zoom with a group of friends or family members.

Tap into Resources that Already Exist

If you’re full of energy and enthusiasm, but you still want more guidance, ask Professor Google to help you find MLK Day of Service opportunities in your area. Try churches, schools, YMCAs or social service agencies to see if they have any needs or pre-arranged projects that you could do.

Do Something!

If you can pull off Covid Christmas, New Year’s and a birthday, then you should be able to figure out how to do a day of service during the pandemic as well. Even if your MLK activity is to write a check for a worthwhile organization, do that. (Here are some other easy MLK Day suggestions I wrote about that you can do mostly from your living room couch.)  And P.S. get a bunch of friends to write checks too and you’ve just multiplied your impact! Just don’t let the day pass without doing something. And here’s the bonus, research says that helping others, makes you feel better and live longer. So let’s do this!

How will you Celebrate MLK Day During the Pandemic?

I believe we can all celebrate MLK Day in a global pandemic. What about you? Leave me a comment and tell me what you’re going to do to honor the man and his legacy?

(Photo by ATC Comm Photo from Pexels)