On January 18, 2021 we will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The day is set aside to honor his accomplishments as a leader, minister, gifted speaker and civil rights activist. As you consider how best to mark the day to honor Dr. King - reflect on the often quoted words of Coretta Scott King that appeared in 1983 in The Washington Post as she highlighted her vision for the observance of the holiday: "The holiday must be substantive as well as symbolic. It must be more than a day of celebration . . . Let this holiday be a day of reflection, a day of teaching nonviolent philosophy and strategy, a day of getting involved in nonviolent action for social and economic progress."
The
list below provides some initial suggestions to achieve Coretta Scott
King’s vision to celebrate MLK during a time of global pandemic:
- Begin a conversation – The Salt Project has produced two videos (free and fee based) that you can use in worship, on social media or on your website to reflect upon, inspire and initiate conversation. The videos can be viewed at the diocesan YouTube channel.
- Get informed – Read or listen to Dr. King’s speeches, and letters. Read books written about him and watch films of Dr. King to expand your understanding of his life’s work.
- Consider Dr. King’s work and legacy with respect to our Baptismal Vows – “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?” “Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?” How might you live out those Baptismal vows with respect to social justice work?
- Be of service to others – In 1957 in Montgomery Alabama Dr. King said “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’“ AmeriCorps leads the effort help individuals and groups respond to this question. Click here to learn about their efforts and get involved on MLK day and beyond.
- Engage Children in the celebration- there are a number of ways to engage children in MLK day: read age appropriate MLK related books with your child. Click here for some suggestions, search Pinterest and other sites for MLK crafts, write a prayer for the world today, participate in an act of service, read the “I Have a Dream” speech together and talk about the hopes and dreams that Dr. King expressed as well as your child’s hopes and dreams for the world today.
