Celebrating with a “Day-ON, Not a Day-OFF”
On January 17, 2022, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday will mark the 27th anniversary of the national day of service. This day was established to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, and to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.
In 1986, Martin Luther King Day became the only federal holiday commemorating an African-American. In 1994, Congress designated the holiday as a national day of service, and marking the third Monday in January every year as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service – a “Day On, Not a Day Off.”
Dr. King advocated for nonviolent resistance to overcome injustice as a means of lifting racial oppression. He created change with organized sit-ins, marches, and peaceful demonstrations that highlighted issues of inequality. Dr. King received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964; he was the youngest person to ever receive this high honor.
We remember Dr. King as a husband, father, friend, and fierce advocate for the betterment of all people. In what way can you, your family, and your church better your community? Honor his memory by organizing, volunteering, and spreading the word.
Remember to MAKE IT A DAY ON, NOT A DAY OFF, for you and those around you.
This MLK holiday arrives to unfinished work and the King Family’s request not to celebrate until the current Voting Rights’ bill passes. We cheapen the dream of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when we fail to also acknowledge his nightmare.
Through nine moral meditations, Disciples Home Missions and the National Convocation have provided a glimpse into Dr. King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Please spend time with them, download them, share them, and consider how we might best honor the sacrifice of Dr. King and his family.