‍What is Martin Luther King Day? 💭

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the primary spokesperson for nonviolent activism and racial justice and equity in the Civil Rights Movement; protesting racial discrimination in state and federal law. After his assassination in 1968, there was a major push for a federal holiday designated to commemorate King's legacy.

Though signed into law as a holiday by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, Martin Luther King Day wouldn’t be officially observed until 1986. The bill also formed the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission to oversee the observance of the holiday. Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King Jr.'s wife, was honored with a lifetime appointment to this committee in 1989. Although federal recognition occurred in the late 1980s, it wasn't until the year 2000 that  Martin Luther King (MLK) Day was observed in all 50 states.

Many schools and businesses are closed to observe this national holiday, motivating students and employees to:

• Commemorate Dr. King's life with a Day of Service. Instead of just taking another holiday from work and school, as encouraged by federal legislation in the King Holiday and Service Act, AmeriCorps mobilizes organizations to coordinate volunteer opportunities on MLK Day. 🫂

In the days surrounding the observed holiday, schools and businesses center Dr. King's message, seminars, and Civil Rights History through lessons and events. 💬

When is Martin Luther King Day celebrated? 🗓

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929. To celebrate his birthday, we annually celebrate MLK Day on the third Monday in January.  

This means that the holiday falls somewhere between January 15 and January 21 each year.

In anticipation of MLK Day, it's time to start planning your yearly community service projects and DEI team building activities that honor King's dream of racial and social justice, economic advancement, equality, and peace for all.

Need some ideas to get you started? Here are three ideas to honor King's legacy this January:

3 ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. with your team:

1. Learn about the Civil Rights leader's life 📚

Surely, you've heard MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech, but his racial and social justice work includes so much more. This MLK Day, take time to familiarize yourself with more of his early life and upbringing in Atlanta, GA, that led him  to be chosen to become a pillar in the Civil Rights Movement.

Consider listening to some of his other lesser-known speeches, marches, and public appearances that played a monumental role in advocating for the nonviolent approach in the Civil Rights Movement, and earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

Why is this a great activity for MLK Day? It brings your team together to learn more about MLK's history. This activity helps us understand the racial injustice he fought against through educational resources and Q&A.

How to get started 👉 Learn more about Dr. King in The MLK You Didn't Know!

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2. Honor MLK's legacy ♥️

Although MLK's life was taken much too soon, he left a revolutionary impact on our nation and the world as a whole. His speeches, sermons, and teachings on nonviolence have shaped artists, educators, and writers all over.

This MLK day, take time to examine works of art from local and national galleries that were created in response to racial injustice and MLK's teachings.

Why is this a great activity for MLK Day? There is so much that can be learned from works of art, especially when you take time to gather together and discuss them from our different perspectives.

How to get started 👉 See how MLK's dream has inspired others in Exploring MLK's Legacy Through Art!

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3. Find MLK Day volunteer opportunities 🤝

Another meaningful way to commemorate MLK is to offer your services to uplift the Black community. Plus, did you know? Apart from September 11th, MLK Day is the only federal holiday identified as a national day of service. It's the only national service day dedicated to an individual and their legacy!

Want to volunteer or make a financial donation? Here are some organizations you can support this MLK Day that continue to fight for racial equality and justice in America: 

• The King Center
• National Civil Rights Museum
• NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
• Southern Poverty Law Center Inc.
• National Black Women’s Justice Institute
• Center for Black Equity
• Black Men United
• Black Girls Code

Numerous organizations are striving for racial justice and equality and require donations, not just on MLK Day, but throughout the year. Consider learning about local mutual aid and grassroots organizations doing crucial work in our communities and how working with and donating to them, could empower our communities as well. Visit Support Black Charities’s directory to find a charitable organization that resonates with you. ⚖️

Here are some other, independent ways you can support your local communities on this MLK Day:

• If some of your hybrid team members work in an office, have a food and coat drive! Nominate someone from the office to take the items to a local community charity that is in need of donations on your day off of work.
• Make hygiene and necessity kits to support houseless people in your community.  The kits can include toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, soap, socks, hairbrush, water and food, and more.
• Transform your local park (or other green space) into a vibrant oasis by picking up trash, planting vivid flowers, and nurturing new trees to make your community more beautiful and accessible.

Why is this an excellent activity for MLK Day? MLK Day is, after all, a national day of service! What better way to honor Dr. Martin Luther King than by spending your day off from work or school uplifting Black Americans and actively contributing to a more inclusive and accessible society?

How to get started 👉 Encourage your employees to start brainstorming the ways they'll spend their day of service outside of the office. If you live near coworkers, form smaller groups to hold each other accountable and volunteer together!

Carry on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy this January 

On this MLK Day, we hope you'll prioritize gathering with your team to learn more about King's legacy, the Black American experience, and implement his teachings of upliftment and equity by engaging with those you are in community with and participating in this national day of service.

Ready to add your MLK Day team building event to your company calendar? Browse our MLK Day collection to get started!