Let’s make Martin Luther King Jr. Day more than a day off school. Let’s go beyond his inspiring one-liners and discover more about his life and legacy and how we can still be a part of the activism he began.
Below are some ideas for honoring Dr. King’s memory with your family.
Participate in the MLK Jr. Act of Service Day
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived his life serving others. One way we honor his memory is by serving our community. To learn more about this day of service, click here.
Support a Local Black-Owned Business
Black Americans make up more than 13% of the U.S. population, but only own 7% of the businesses due to many factors. Most experts agree the cause is a combination of racism, discrimination, predatory lending, and a lack of economic and business resources in African American communities. So let’s support black-owned businesses when we can! Here’s a list of black-owned businesses in the Albuquerque area.
Educate Yourself First
Martin Luther King Jr. was an eloquent speaker, to be sure! You’ll find quotes from him all over your social media pages today, I’m sure. But if the only quotes we hear from him only make us feel good but don’t challenge us, we probably don’t understand who he really was. Today would be a good day to read (or listen to) some of Dr. King’s words in context. Find other anti-racism resources here.
“Letter from Birmingham Jail” written
“Letter from Birmingham Jail” audio
Teach Your Children About Martin Luther King Jr. & the Civil Rights Movement
There are so many resources available. But I think the most important thing for kids to realize is that while the Civil Rights Movement did accomplish much, the work of it is not finished. There is still much to do to ensure equality and justice for all in our country.
Here’s a booklist with children’s books about Dr. King.
Here are some wonderful ideas about inviting racial justice into our homes.
Check out this National Geographic Kids article & video: Hero for All: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Attend an Event
Friday, Jan 13 | “A Civil Rights Journey: A Passport to Discovery”
As part of 2023 MLK “Dream Weekend,” the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission is hosting this free event (dinner included) at the African American Performing Arts Center. Get more details here.
Saturday, Jan 14 | The MLK Commemorative March
The march begins on MLK Jr. Ave & University Blvd on UNM at 10 am. Learn more.
Sunday, Jan 15 | Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mass at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe African American Catholic Community cordially invites all to the annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mass on Sunday, January 15 at noon. In-person and live-streamed. Learn more.
Monday, January 16 | MLK Breakfast
The MLK Breakfast is at the Marriott Pyramid Hotel at 8 am. Click here for details.
The Whole Month of January | 2023 I Have a Dream 1M 5K 10K 13.1 26.2- Benefitting Equal Justice Initiative
“I Have a Dream” virtual races can be completed anytime in January 2023, even better if it’s January 16th! Sign up here.
