Growing up, two things about Martin Luther King, Jr., Day stick out in my mind. First, we got the day off from school — who doesn’t want a three day weekend so soon after Christmas break? Second, we read his infamous “I Have a Dream” speech and talked about his skill as a visionary and orator. We celebrated the progress we have made toward his vision and then we moved on to other subjects.
Spend any length of time learning about the Civil Rights Movement, and particularly the work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and you’ll quickly see that Dr. King was not only a dreamer and preacher but also a man of action. He put his life at risk to stand up for what he believed in. Take a deeper look at the world Dr. King yearned for, and you’ll see the past 60 years have brought small steps forward toward his vision, but there’s still a long way to go. (Want an example? Do a little research on the racial wealth divide.)
This year, I invite you to honor Dr. King by taking a step to help his vision become a reality in your community. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination and move you (and your money) to action:
Volunteer: Did you know that MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service? Take some time on your day off to give back to your community. Americorps has made it easy to find volunteer opportunities. A little hesitant to volunteer in-person due to the pandemic? Virtual opportunities are available too.
Have a Conversation about Racial Justice: Talk about the progress that’s been made but also the disparities that still remain. It’s hard, but also vitally important, to engage with friends or family who may have a different viewpoint on this topic. If you plan to go this route, be sure you’ve done your homework. You might start by watching “Selma” or reading some of Dr. King’s other less famous writings. And don’t miss the chance to shape the next generation. If you have kids, check out these book recommendations from sheknows.
Give to an Organization Fighting for Racial Justice: While larger, national organizations can make a big impact, you might also take a look at what organizations are creating change in your community. One of our favorite organizations in Minneapolis is Cookie Cart and one of our favorite national organizations is Campaign Zero. Not sure where to give? Here are a few organizations to consider. You might also consider a more grassroots approach by giving to mutual aid funds. Regardless of where you give, consider making a monthly commitment rather than a one-time gift.
Get to Know Your Community’s History: Every city has a different history of civil rights and racial injustice. You might begin by exploring your city’s experience with redlining or income inequality. There is a lot of important research coming out on these topics. Let Google be your guide to learning more about your community’s past and present. If you own a house, take a closer look at your house’s deed to see if your home may be in a neighborhood that had a housing covenant to not let people of a certain race(s) own a home in your area.
Support a Black-Owned Business: Patronizing Black-owned businesses in-person or online is a small way you can support Black people in your community. Not sure who those businesses are? Check out this article for some directories to help you get to know the businesses in your area.