In this blog post, P.S. ARTS Digital Content Manager, Aracely Jimenez, shares some thoughts on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the impact of his legacy through education.
January 16 is a time to celebrate and reflect on the life, legacy, and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1967, a year before his assassination, Dr. King called for a revolution of values: “A true revolution of values will soon cause us to question the fairness and justice of many of our past and present policies…a true revolution of values will soon look uneasily on the glaring contrast of poverty and wealth with righteous indignation.” Real change happens first in the imagination, in the hearts and minds of everyday people.
Creativity is at the heart of social and political change. That’s why in MLK’s last book, “Where Do We Go From Here?”, he called for social programs including universal access to education. Let this day be a reminder to all of us to strive for that vision and inspire a whole generation of young people who have the freedom to imagine and the power to create a world rooted in loving community.
Ways to Celebrate in L.A. and Beyond:
- Join the Kingdom Day Parade: The 38th annual Kingdom Day Parade celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King is being held in Baldwin Hills on Monday, January 16 with the theme is Our Work Is Not Yet Done.
- Visit the California African American Museum (CAAM): Programs for kids, teens, and families including story time and a concert are happening on Monday, January 16 from 10 AM to 5 PM.
- Participate in the Big Sunday MLK Clothing Drive and Community Breakfast: The 11th annual block party with art projects, entertainment, a Civil Rights Exhibit, and community breakfast is being held on Monday, January 16, at 24th St. Elementary School.
- Enjoy a National Park for free: In honor of MLK’s birthday, National Park service sites will waive entrance fees for everyone on Monday, January 16. Many national parks also host a variety of service projects that people can sign up for as volunteers, so be sure to check the park’s website for any opportunities.
- Learn more about MLK Jr. anywhere and all year round with this list of books for adults, children, and young adults.
