This year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, and his life and legacy will be honored today (1/15) around the state. The M-L-K Day is a National Day of Service , and Christina Franklin with ServeNebraska says folks are encouraged to make it a “day on, not a day off.” She says turning community concerns into action is a great way to continue the work of the slain civil rights leader.
“You can be the change that you want in your world. We may feel small, we may seem small, we may be from a small town, live in a small community but we can make a difference where we are.”, said Franklin.
She says volunteering at a local food pantry, mentoring a child, or assisting an elderly neighbor are among the simple ways the Nebraskans can give back to their community. Dr. King was killed in April of 1968, but a federal holiday was not declared until 1983.
Franklin says Dr. King taught through his examples, and the holiday celebrates his values of courage, trust, compassion, dignity and humility. She says those messages can be carried out any day of the year. “We encourage all Nebraskans to get out and volunteer and do some service on MLK day and, if not on MLK Day, just sometime during the month of January to honor Martin Luther King’s legacy.”, said Franklin.
Besides service projects, there will also be prayer breakfasts, lectures, film screenings, marches and other events for the holiday. “The University of Nebraska-Kearney is putting on a great presentation about Dr. King and they’re going to be doing a candlelight vigil. And a lot of churches will have MLK Day celebrations.”, said Franklin.
To reach Franklin call 402-471-6225.
