MLK Jr Day - Acts of Service and Kindness

On January 20, 2025

Jan 17, 2025

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument in Washington, DC

This Monday, January 20, 2025, is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the U.S. The third Monday of January is set aside to honor the life and legacy of this American leader of the Civil Rights Movement. We celebrate and reflect on MLK Jr.’s principles of nonviolent resistance and racial equality.

Born in 1929, King grew up in a stable, middle-class home in Atlanta, GA. Like all Black Americans he experienced brutal racism and legal segregation. A precocious student who skipped 9th and 11th grade, King entered Morehouse College (Atlanta) at the age of 15, earning a B.A. in Sociology. Moving on to Crozer Theological Seminary (Chester, PA), MLK Jr. was the first African American student body president, and graduated valedictorian in 1951 with a Bachelor of Divinity. Completing his dissertation in 1955, King received a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Boston University.

Regarded as one of the greatest orators of the 20th century, King had the ability to tune in to the energy of his listeners forming a symbiotic relationship with them and inspiring people to act. Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have A Dream speech delivered at the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963, is considered a cornerstone of American history and is widely taught to students in elementary, middle, and high schools.

An intellectual giant, King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his nonviolent resistance to achieve equal rights for Black Americans.

National Day of Service

Commemorating King's commitment to fighting for freedom, civil rights, and equality, MLK Jr. Day is a National Day of Service. Americans are encouraged to volunteer and improve their communities by performing acts of kindness and service to others.

Keeping it Real

None of us needs to organize a million people to march on Washington to perform effective Acts of Service and Kindness. Let’s not underestimate the less grand, more intimate intentions. Remember the Theory of Critical Mass states that great changes can occur from small actions.

Kind Words - The most accessible tool available to us is to use our words for acknowledgement, caring, connection, and appreciation. And the benefit goes both ways! Studies show that both giver and receiver experience positive outcomes in physical and emotional health after an exchange of kindness.
Assume Positive Intent - An important reminder is that we almost never know all the info surrounding a situation initially. Instead of making negative assumptions, avoid making up worst-case stories and simply wait patiently for the facts to be revealed. This is not only more fair to others, it also saves us unnecessary stress.
Consider Others Reality - This is not automatic for most of us. It is instinctive to react to an ugly comment or action in kind. It takes developed self-regulation to not get down in the mud or escalate into a shouting match (or worse). Remember, if a stranger is rude it cannot possibly be personal. That person is in some sort of physical or mental pain which they are trying to offload. We needn’t get sucked into every negative current that swirls past us in our daily lives.
Small and Consistent - Start with the people closest to you. A smile, a hug, and genuine listening are simple ways to connect with our loved ones and nurture relationships. Don’t let the old proverb familiarity breeds contempt gain a foothold in your most cherished relationships. Saying nothing at all is also an option. In short, be nice.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” - Aesop

"If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven't spent the night with a mosquito." - African proverb

The Other Event on January 20th

The second inauguration of Trump falls on this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The juxtaposition of these two men being celebrated on the same day is one of those way-too-ironic coincidences. MLK Jr. worked his whole life for justice, equality, and to improve the lives of everyday Americans. Trump is the first convicted felon, adjudicated rapist, criminal fraudster, and known coup-plotter to be elected (by less than half of voters) to the Presidency. He has spent his life enriching himself while actively harming others.

LISTEN Alanis Morissette - Ironic (Lyrics)

How Will You Spend January 20th?

It’s worth a bit of planning to avoid despair or gnashing of teeth. Personally, I will steer clear of any event supporting the most un-American (criminal) President our country has ever known. I’ll also avoid all the artists performing at the various events.

Instead, I will spend the day checking in on a few friends, gathering and giving some household items suitable for donation, making a special meal for my husband (who does EV.ER.Y.THING for me), and in lessons I’ll highlight a specific strength of each of my students. Simple. Small. Heartfelt.

The deplorable Trump/MAGA influence of the last decade has eroded civility, decorum, and respect, and championed selfishness, greed, lies, and violence. Decent people do not accept this. We can resist with our constant acts of kindness and service. Love and light will always defeat hatred and darkness.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

LISTEN: Martin Luther King - I Have A Dream Speech - August 28, 1963

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