Martin Luther King Jr was a social activist and prime minister who played a huge role in today’s society. He is part of the reason why races are not segregated in schools, stores, restaurants, bathrooms, etc. King fought for equality for African Americans in 1950 until he was assassinated in 1968. He is known for advancing civil rights for African Americans through nonviolent and peaceful protest. 

King won the Nobel Peace Prize on October 14, 1964. He won it for combating Racial Inequality. Only a year later he helped organize the Selma to Montgomery marches. 

Before he was assassinated he was planning a national occupation of Washington D.C.. It was going to be called Poor People’s campaign, but sadly he died before that could be accomplished. 

We still continue to remember him as the most influential and inspirational African American leader. 

Martin Luther King Jr Day, also known as MLK Day is an American federal holiday that marks the birth of King. It is celebrated on the third Monday of January every year. 

This year MLK Day will be celebrated on January 20, 2020. 

Many people don’t understand how much this individual has made an impact on how we live everyday. He is part of the reason why people of color and whites can share public places. Martin Luther King Jr has made a great impact on today’s society and not a lot of people show appreciation to how much he has done for this country.

There are many things you could do to honor Martin Luther King on January 20. 

You could clean the park around his memorial in Washington D.C.. In Washington D.C. there are many places to go. You can volunteer at the Montgomery County Volunteer Center for MLK Day of service. You can also volunteer at the The Student Conservation Association for Anacostia Park Cleanup.

Or the City Year Washington, D.C. for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Instead of sleeping in on the day off go out and do something in respect for someone who did a lot for you. It could be something as little as picking up trash around the neighborhood. 

Here are some links to places to volunteer at:

https://www.nationalservice.gov/serve-your-community/mlk-day-service   

https://www.thesca.org/