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From far left: Muriel Horowitz, Kim Lee Minor, Fran Seeley, Cheryl Davidson, Christopher Duncan, Lynn Epps and Teri Steinberg Courtesy Muriel Horowitz, Kim Lee Minor, Fran Seeley, Cheryl

Davidson, Christopher Duncan, Lynn Epps and Teri Steinberg Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Martin Luther King Jr.’s achievements in civil rights are part of America’s history and why he is celebrated on the third Monday in January each year. But there’s another element to marking

Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday every year: volunteerism.

In addition to honoring King, MLK Day was created in 1983 to put King’s teachings and philosophies into practice by encouraging people to serve and better their communities. King fought for

racial justice and achieved results through his philosophy of nonviolence. People volunteer as a way to continue that practice, and MLK Day is designated as a national day of service.

In need of some inspiration? AARP spoke to community members dedicated to service to reflect on what Martin Luther King Jr. Day means to them and why they serve.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

New Albany, Ohio

We’ve always done something as a family for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. When the kids were small we’d gather for events so they could learn about the day; we’d volunteer, and close the day

by gathering for dinner. The kids would read something they wrote about the impact of the day. We’ve moved a few times but continue to attend events, serve in shelters, uplift those in need,

and reflect on the day as a family and within our communities. This year we’re serving with Meals on Wheels.

My grandfather was a sharecropper. Thanks to decisions he made and as a result of things changing, his kids had more access, I’ve had more access, and now my kids do. For me, MLK Day is

about how I use that access to make a difference, because I’m blessed. How do I use those blessings to influence other people to see how important it is to give others access as well as

reaching out myself to those in need?

I work in retail and brand leadership, and I hate to hear people frame MLK weekend as an opportunity for sales. That just makes me mad. Companies should use the day to go out and make a

difference in their community. That builds real loyalty and makes a difference. I also think about the time after George Floyd’s death in 2020, everybody wanted to do something. Some people

actually did, but a large part of that group was very performative. It’s all about being intentional to continue to make a difference for others.