Though a bill was introduced in the House and Senate in 1968 to make Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. birthday a holiday, it was not considered an official national holiday until 1983. During the time between, many local cities changed a major road to be renamed for Dr. King. In my capital city of Lansing the main street Logan was renamed for the civil rights leader. This was the first time that a private citizen was given a national holiday. The words day of service were added to promote community.
In past years, I have worked food banks, collected empty bottles and cans to donate the deposit.
My women’s church group have worked in groups to knit and sew rectangles to make blankets for the homeless and those in need. Two projects I have worked with are Project warm up America group collects knitted and crochet rectangles to sew together for the homeless.The Linus Project knits or crochets blankets for needy children.
Serving the community is a year long activity. But you can start a project now and pay tribute to a man that stood for non-violent solutions to bring people together.
Now I give of my treasure, time and talent to give back to others. What do you do to support your community?
***. poem
Dr.King preached a way of non-violence.
Even in the face of hatred.
Each of us can play a part.
On this day of service.
Give a smile to a stranger.
Open a door for another.
Gather papers to recycle.
Remembering, this our home
to share.
carolaspot@aol.com copyrighted 1/19/26.
.
traveling up and down the blind highway 