MLK Day: The Journey from a Holiday to a "Day of Service"

While we often think of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a time to reflect on the "I Have a Dream" speech, it is important to remember that this day was never intended to be a "day off." It was fought for, protected, and ultimately designed to be a day of action.

This year, as we celebrate under the banner of United Era, we are taking a closer look at the woman who ensured this day became a permanent fixture of American life and a catalyst for change: Mrs. Coretta Scott King.

The Vision of Coretta Scott King

The history of this holiday is a story of persistence. Following Dr. King’s assassination in 1968, Coretta Scott King founded The King Center and began a decades-long battle to have his birthday recognized as a federal holiday.

However, her vision went beyond just a date on a calendar. She didn't want a holiday where people simply stayed home; she wanted a day that reflected her husband's commitment to the "Beloved Community." In 1994, she successfully championed the King Holiday and Service Act, which officially transformed the day into a National Day of Service.

Coretta Scott King famously said:

"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members."

Because of her leadership, MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service—a "day on, not a day off." It is a day where we are encouraged to find solutions to social problems and provide help to those in need, keeping the momentum of the Civil Rights Movement alive in the present tense.

Two Facts About Dr. King’s Legacy

1. A Prodigy of Education: Dr. King was exceptionally gifted; he skipped the 9th and 12th grades and entered Morehouse College at the age of 15. He believed that the goal of true education was "intelligence plus character."

2. A Global Peacemaker: In 1964, at age 35, Dr. King became the youngest person at that time to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. He donated the entirety of the prize money ($54,123) to the Civil Rights Movement to further the cause of nonviolent social change.

3 Ways to Serve This MLK Day

In the spirit of the King family's legacy, here are three ways you can utilize this day to strengthen our Jacksonville community:

• Host a Community Clean-Up: Grab a few neighbors and head to a local park or street in Jacksonville that needs care. Beautifying our shared spaces is a direct way to show pride in our community.

• Support Local Shelters: Organize a "kit-packing" event at your home or office. Collect hygiene items, socks, and non-perishable snacks to deliver to local shelters or organizations supporting our unhoused neighbors.

• Donate to a Local Non-Profit: Financial support allows organizations to scale their impact.

Together, we carry forward the work that Dr. King started and Coretta Scott King preserved. Let's make this day count.

With Unity,

The United Era Team