Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is remembered for his service to the United States in a different way than most. In recognition of his leadership during the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, King’s birthday is observed nationwide on the third Monday of January each year. He is the only private citizen to have a federal holiday declared in his honor.
In August 1994, then-President Bill Clinton signed into law The King Holiday and Service Act, which merged the existing Martin Luther King Jr. memorial day with a national day of service. This change denoted intent to remember King’s deeds as well as his words. While many can quote his eloquent and powerful speeches calling for peace and equality, modern leaders also wanted to ensure his legacy as a man of action lived on. For his work organizing marches, peaceful protests, and sit-ins, to the numerous times he stood his ground in the face of opposition and the threat of jail time, King showed himself to be a man of service.
In Howard County, there is an entire commission devoted to organizing events for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, and multiple opportunities for individuals and families to get involved and make a difference in their communities. On Monday, January 18, ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. at the North Laurel Community Center (9411 Whiskey Bottom Road) in Laurel. Howard County Executive Alan Kittleman will be on-hand to make the opening remarks. A full list of activities taking place can be located here, but you can also check out a few of our suggestions below!
Resolving Conflicts Interactive Workshop (sign up)
Dr. King was a strong advocate for non-violent activism, and during a tumultuous time, his work showed citizens across the country how to evoke positive change through peaceful protest. Understanding how to resolve conflicts using non-violent language is a very important skill, especially for children. Kids ages 12 through 15 (accompanied by an adult), and other interested attendees ages 16 and older, can sign up for this conflict resolution workshop taking place from 11 a.m. to noon at the North Laurel Community Center (9411 Whiskey Bottom Road).
Hands-Only CPR Training (sign up)
You could soon have the power to save a life in the palm of your hand – literally. This special non-certification course teaches volunteers how to spot the signs of a cardiac arrest, as well as the steps to take to save someone suffering. The class is offered twice, once at 10:30 a.m., and again at 11:30 a.m., at the North Laurel Community Center.
Creating Cards for Seniors (sign up)
What better way to spend your day than putting a smile on the face of a senior? Kids ages 5 through 9 (accompanied by an adult), and other interested attendees ages 10 and older, can devote their time to decorating a special occasion card for a senior citizen in Howard County. The Columbia Association Art Center will provide craft supplies including paper, stamps, markers, and more for you to create something unique. Nobody should go without receiving a birthday or holiday card. You can guarantee a senior in your community is shown some love this service day! This activity will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Laurel Community Center.
Fill the Pantries & Feed the Hungry at the Howard County Food Bank (sign up)
The Howard County Food Bank (8920 Maryland 108, Suite A) in Columbia may get a lot of love during the holidays, but volunteers are often scarce following the Season of Giving. Put your hands together with other members of your community to make sure no one goes hungry at any time of the year. The food bank needs volunteers on MLK Service Day to sort canned goods, stock food, and do some cleaning around the pantry. Children ages 9 through 15 (accompanied by an adult), and other interested attendees ages 16 and older, are welcome to participate!
Clip Coupons for Military Families (sign up)
Help a local military family to purchase the provisions they need! While fighting for our country, military personnel and their families often have to live abroad on bases. Commissaries, or military grocery stores, allow armed service members to access American products, even overseas. The Overseas Coupon Program provides coupons for these commissaries, so that military members, and those living with them, also have access to the same benefits and discounts as home. You can either drop off your coupons, or drop by to clip them while consuming light refreshments. This event will take place in Claret Hall at the River Hill Community Association (6020 Daybreak Circle) in Clarksville.
Can’t make it to any of these events? Local leaders encourage you to celebrate MLK Service Day all year round! Visit The Volunteer Center for more details on statewide opportunities you can complete any day of the year!
