Monday we’ll celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As a driving force behind nonviolent social activism in the 1950s and 1960s, Dr. King’s iconic words and courageous actions have fueled social change in the U.S. and across the globe. While Dr. King is no longer with us, his mission to create a just, humane and equitable “beloved community” lives on.

Honoring Dr. King’s life is an ongoing call to action. In 1994, MLK Day was designated a National Day of Service—making it an annual reminder that we all have a role to play in building more just communities.

With Covid-19 continuing to impact how we work, gather and give back, Dr. King’s call to “keep moving” feels especially relevant:

“If you can’t fly, run; if you can’t run, walk; if you can’t walk, crawl;
but by all means keep moving.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr. (Spelman College, 1960)

In this spirit, here are five ways you can “keep moving” this MLK Day:

  • Volunteer! Looking for local opportunities? Check out this volunteer search engine powered by Americorps (you can filter by “MLK” and/or “virtual” opportunities).
  • Ignite your passion to build a more just local, national and global community by listening to one of Dr. King’s iconic speeches here.
  • Discover how The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (or The King Center) is leveraging Dr. King’s legacy for social impact and check out the wide-ranging “King Day” programming they’re offering today through Monday.
  • On Monday, enjoy a hybrid (in-person and virtual) celebration of music, spoken word and stories for all ages, presented by the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tenn.
  • Stream some edutainment! Check out one of the many films inspired by Dr. King’s fight for civil rights, including those on this list.

More than 50 years after his passing, Dr. King’s life of service continues to inspire progress and participation. However you choose to honor the iconic Atlanta-born Baptist minister and civil rights leader, we wish you a safe and meaningful day of service and reflection.