3 Creative Ways to Celebrate MLK Day
January 8, 2019
DC culture and history is just a metro ride away from ROSS’ apartments in College Park.
When we’re young, we often think of a national holiday as just a day home from school. Maybe we go on a field trip to learn about a certain historical figure or era. Maybe our parents chastise us for not being grateful enough, or not respecting our elders. But as an adult, it’s important that we discover our own ways of finding real meaning on these important dates. How can we honor the memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognize the sacrifices that were made for progress? The ideas below won’t take you far from your apartments in College Park, but they will make you think.
Attend the Annual City Tribute
The town of College Park has been honoring Dr. King annually for 28 years. Each year has a theme, and aims to inspire audience members of all ages to continue to build on Dr. King’s efforts. This year’s theme is, “Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere,” and the keynote will be presented by Prince George’s County Sheriff, Melvin C. High. In addition, there will be sung and spoken word performances, art, and a City proclamation. This celebration takes place on Saturday, January 12 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center’s Kay Theatre.
Volunteer or Donate
Is there any better way to honor Dr. King’s history of service and self-sacrifice than to join in charitable service? Volunteering at the Human Rights Campaign is a great place to start, as they continue to fight for the equal rights of LGBT African Americans across the country. If you want to get started right away, you can volunteer or donate today with the DC Central Kitchen and Food for All DC. These two charities aim to provide hot meals and refuge for homeless individuals in DC. Their efforts have made significant strides in the struggle to help the homeless. Increase your impact at any of these organizations by getting your friends to sign up, too!
Learn More About the Movement
The recently opened National Museum of African American History and Culture offers a new perspective on American history. Learn about the most important eras of African American history, and about the continued struggle for economic, social, and politically equality in the modern age. Or, visit the Newseum and explore their multiple exhibits on this pivotal decade for race relations in the United States. 1968: Civil Rights at 50 speaks to the “tumultuous events that shaped the civil rights movement,” the assassination of King, and the resulting backlash. In addition, Make Some Noise, recognizes the many student activists who made desegregation possible.
These inspiring events and exhibitions are worth a trip away from your apartments in College Park. The March on Washington and those famous words Dr. King spoke are a part of our heritage as area Washingtonians.