Take the day ON (not off)
C E L E B R A T I N G.  D R.   M A R T I N  L U T H E R  K I N G  J R.  D A Y  2 0 2 1

For MLK Day, you’ll likely see many of Dr. King’s most well-known quotes about peace and love grace your timelines. This year, however, we challenge you to push past the repackaged, often sanitized narrative of MLK.  It's time to recognize & celebrate the radical revolutionary who called on those with privilege to reject the comfort of the status quo and take action to make a difference.

Today (and everyday), examine your role in the fight for civil liberties for all. Recommit to this fight by taking an active role in activities that directly support the lives of the marginalized & underserved.

“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve.”
- DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

Despite this pandemic, technology makes service opportunities more accessible, and amplifies our community responsibilities on a global scale.
 
Check out the infographic below to see just a few of the ways you can support your community (either at home or socially distanced). Many of the suggestions below are DC-centric, and we encourage you to research service opportunities in your own community. Get involved!

Support local & POC-owned restaurants

• Patronize these businesses simply by ordering takeout. Some of our favorites from the DMV area include Florida Avenue Grill, Uncaged Chefs, NuVegan, Milk and Honey Café, and Agua 301.
• Donate to World Central Kitchen’s “Restaurants for the People” program, which sources food from small restaurants and businesses and donates them to communities most affected by COVID
  
  

Support nonprofits you care about

• Art-based non-profits:
  • Americans for the Arts 
  • Dance Metro DC
• Social justice based non-profits

Volunteer in your community

• Take part in one of the DC National Black United Front's socially-distanced community clean ups or their food drive
• Martha's Table is hosting a MLK Grab-n-Go Grocery Distribution

Support efforts to improve mental health

• Tell the Senate to pass legislation that  prioritizes mental health and suicide prevention 
• Share your story and read those of others struggling with mental health to decrease the stigma 

Support first responders/ essential workers

• Write a letter to deployed soldiers 
• Donate PPE to frontline workers

Anti-racism work

• Familiarize yourself with the concept of anti-racism through content and courses taught by POC. Buy them from independent book stores (not Amazon)!
  • How to Be an Anti-Racist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
  • Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
  • So You Want to Talk about Race by Ijeoma Oluo
• Use this anti-racism roadmap for 2021 will hold you accountable to your commitment to fighting injustice
• Stand up for, support, listen to, pay, and celebrate the POC in your life on a daily basis.

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Combat climate change & help the environment

• Donate to Trillion Trees
• Participate in local clean-up efforts in your neighborhood. WEFIT DC frequently hosts community clean ups (be sure to wear a mask and remain distanced!)

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Help our youth

• Virtually tutor low-income students

We encourage you to use this list as a starting point for your day of service. There are unlimited opportunities for you to serve the world around you. Let’s get to work!