The general consensus is that on the day
that we honor the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., revelers are supposed
to do something, in the words of the Rev. Al Sharpton,
“King-like”—something that honors his memory and his dream of equality. Others
have proclaimed that MLK day should be a “day of service”—a day dedicated to
performing tasks that help others, since Dr. King worked tirelessly to lead an
effort designed to make life better for others.
Here is a list of King-like activities that
will remind you of his accomplishments and guide you towards improving life for
yourself and others.
Attend an event designed around celebrating
the life and legacy of Dr. King. Public memorials
are being held throughout the country that are designed to celebrate, and
encourage reflection about, Dr. King’s legacy. From the re-enactments of Rosa
Parks refusing to give up her seat on a bus, to the gospel concerts being
sponsored by large corporations, you will not have to search hard for a program
to attend. Your local church is likely to have prepared an MLK Day program.
Volunteer. One
of the most popular ways to honor Dr. King’s memory is by volunteering—making
the day a day of service. You might paint the walls of a public school
building, or help turn a building into an affordable housing unit. Click here to learn about ways you can make a
difference in your community.
Go to a museum.
Many museums are honoring the accomplishments of Dr. King and other notable
figures of African descent through exhibitions that feature information about
the impact of their work.
Watch media presentations that are
reflective of Dr. King’s life, his dream and the Civil Rights Movement. It
is tempting to relax in front of the television on any day off from school or
work. Turn this habit into a teachable moment on Monday, January 16th, by
watching television that features information about Dr. King and other Civil
Rights activists. Check your local listings for movies, documentaries, and
other presentations about Dr. King’s life and the Civil Rights Movement.
Read. One of the
most important gains of the Civil Rights Movement was that concerning the
advancement of education. Dr. King, and others, intended for everyone to have
the opportunity to be educated and to have access to resources that enhance
education. Adults should encourage children to read for at least one
un-interrupted hour on MLK day—and every day. You may also honor your access to
education by learning about lesser-known notable activists like Fred
Shuttlesworth, David
Walker, and Moriah
Stewart (also called Maria Stewart).
Take advantage of the opportunities Dr. King
and other Civil Rights Movement activists strove for.
What about finishing that thesis that is two (or more) semesters overdue? What
about writing that personal statement for college or graduate school that
you’ve been putting off? If Dr. King were alive, he would be proud of you for
taking advantage of the educational opportunities he and his comrades fought and
died for. What about those articles you have been intending to write? What
about that research you have been planning to start? What about that business
plan you have until now, only been thinking about writing? During the Jim Crow
Era, many Black-owned businesses were bombed just for existing. And what about
that not-for-profit organization for which you have been “meaning” to complete
the paperwork? Get moving on ideas that will further Dr. King’s legacy, and
that will enhance the quality of life for all.
Act against inequality.
Perhaps the best way to honor Dr. King’s dream of equality on an everyday
basis, is by speaking out against micro aggressions that perpetuate inequality,
even if you benefit from the unequal action. When you are given preferential
treatment because of your skin color, or the perception someone has of you,
refuse the special treatment. For instance, suppose you arrive after a customer
that has already been waiting to be served. The person that has already been
waiting is the member of a minority group. You are not. The service provider
approaches you first for service even though they saw you arrive after the
“minor” person. You should say: “This
person was here before me.” This teaches the service provider that unfair
treatment is unacceptable. It affirms to the member of the minority group that
she or he is valuable, and that others will perceive him or her as such.
Reflect on your feelings about race. Peggy McIntosh's work,
“Unpacking White Privilege” deserves consideration. Are you realistic about,
and appreciative of, the ways in which your existence and experiences may be
different than others’? How would you feel about having a boss that was the
member of a race that is different than your own? What if the neighborhood you
live in were predominated by a race or ethnic group that is different than your
own? What are your feelings about immigration? Do you secretly fear that people
of color will eventually outnumber others? Do you buy into the idea that if someone
wins, someone has to lose—or that in order for there to be rich people, there
have to be poor people? Are there any alternatives? Can everybody win? The
answers to these questions do not have to be revealed to anyone other than
yourself. Do your answers to these questions impact how you interact with
members of racial or ethnic groups that are different than your own?
Dr. King’s dream was that we would all have
the opportunity to win—and that if need be, we would help each other to win.
Reflect on your idea of winning and whether or not it is at the expense of
others.
Revelers celebrate the MLK Memorial dedication on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on October 16, 2011. Photo Credit: Mike Theiler-Pool/Getty Images
