In celebration of MLK Day on Jan. 15, ACT team members reflected on this question: “How do you personally carry forward Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, and how do you plan to commemorate his memory this MLK Day?” Here’s how some of our colleagues are honoring Dr. King this year.
Cynthia Barnett, senior manager, Corporate Services/Facilities
I’m attending the MLK NOW event in Cedar Rapids on Jan 13.
One quote from Dr. King that has always resonated is, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” This is part of the reason why I do the work that I do: research and develop tools that can help kids and adults better understand and develop their social and emotional skills – for example, getting along with others, keeping an open mind, and maintaining composure.
The urgency of this work has become especially clear since having my own children and, more recently, seeing how schools, kids, and the adults who support them were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. I commemorate Dr. King's legacy every day by continuing to emphasize equity in both my professional and personal life.
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The most important way to commemorate Dr. King’s legacy is to be intentional, on MLK Day, and every day about the ways in which I bring his dream to life. That means intentionality about language, actions, and relationships, in both my professional and personal life. As Dr. King said, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable … Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
Living his legacy means doing not just what feels good or easy but understanding that the work of equity requires struggle and sacrifice, and it may not always feel good. I’ll be sitting with that message, intentionally, this MLK Day, and reflecting on the work yet to be done and how I can affect change in my little corner of the world.
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One of my favorite Dr. King quotes is, “If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl; but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” This quote reminds me that we each play a role and have the power make the community better where we live, work, and serve.
Through many trials and serious dangers, King never gave up. And I strive to honor his legacy by staying engaged in activities and service projects designed to make life better for others. On MLK Day, I plan to participate in the Seeds of Caring Indianapolis MLK Day of Service at the Madam Walker Legacy Center, packing snack bags for neighbors who are unhoused.
Kedesha Hall, engagement specialist, Student Services
I live Dr. King's “I Have a Dream” speech by taking everything that life throws at me and getting back up. Every step I take is a step toward my future. Dr. King's philosophy was needed to help my visions come alive.
When I think about how to honor the legacy of Dr. King, I think about how he used his many gifts to create change and advance the rights of Black people, people of color, and those living in poverty. This year I am committed to using my gifts in a volunteer capacity to build power for Black businesses and businesses owned by people of color. I will also be intentional in purchasing from those businesses that directly pour resources and economic support into marginalized communities.
The world would be a different place if Dr. King had not had the courage to use his gifts. We all have a responsibility to use our abilities to make a difference.
There are three major lessons that I take forward with me on MLK Day, and every day of the year, as these are values that I believe to be true: equality and justice are meant for all; we must maintain courage in the face of adversity; and education and awareness are important to achieving systemic change.
I plan to read to my grandchildren a few of our books about MLK and talk about how our everyday behaviors can advance and guide our communities.
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To carry forward Dr. King's legacy, I simply practice kindness and empathy in my daily life.
Because I live in Memphis, my family and I plan to visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was assassinated. This is a yearly tradition.