THE CAUSE: Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s vision of justice via the MLK Community Coalition of Lebanon whose mission is to build an inclusive network of individuals and organizations that work toward empowerment for people.
THE CHALLENGE: For every 39 minutes of activity tracked between 1/16/2023 and 1/30/23, we will donate $1.50 to the MLK Community Coalition of Lebanon. We also encourage each participant to complete an act of kindness for a neighbor, a stranger, your community, etc. MLK Day is meant to be a day ON, not a day off. Americans are encouraged to volunteer to improve their communities. If you submit proof of an act of kindness or volunteering within the challenge period, we will donate an additional $5 on your behalf. This challenge ends at 11:59 PM EST on 1/30/23. Submissions will be accepted until 2/1/2023 at 11:59 PM EST.
THE WHY: "There is nothing greater in all the world than freedom. It's worth going to jail for. It's worth losing a job for. It's worth dying for. My friends, go out this evening determined to achieve this freedom which God wants for all of His children." — Martin Luther King, Jr.
These were the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. as he addressed a crowd of thousands at a NAACP rally in 1957. Nearly a decade later, he was assassinated at the young age of 39 by someone who never believed in social justice and equality. During his life, King always fought to end the laws that were unfair to Black Americans. He was a huge supporter of non-violence and always worried that Americans would never cooperate with any violent movement. MLK's protest tactics included marches, sit-ins, and other forms of civil disobedience. Police often reacted with violence but his followers remained peaceful.
His contributions to the movement and to American democracy make him a worthy and important figure. He helped bring about the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. One of MLK's most notable successes was organizing the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. African-Americans and their white supporters refused to ride the buses in Montgomery, Alabama to protest segregation. This would eventually lead to a court case in which the Supreme Court of the United States ordered Montgomery to desegregate its buses. He also organized the 5-day, 50-mile Selma March which directly led to the passing of The Voting Rights Act of 1965. Because of these actions and raising his voice to support racial equity, he received many death threats, was often unduly ticketed/imprisoned, had his home bombed, etc. After King's death, his supporters were eager to ensure his legacy was not forgotten. A campaign for a national holiday in his honor was introduced in 1968, but was blocked from passage until 15 years after his death. MLK preached love, grace, and kindness towards others, but also held people accountable to make meaningful change. Let’s continue to spread his legacy.
Chenoweth, Erica. “The Future of Nonviolent Resistance”. Journal of Democracy, vol. 31, no. 3, July 2020, pp. 69-84. https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/the-future-of-nonviolent-resistance-2/
Foster, Sheena. “15 Martin Luther King Jr. Facts You Probably Didn’t Know.” Reader’s Digest. 13 Jan 2023. https://www.rd.com/list/martin-luther-king-jr-facts-that-arent-true/
King, Martin Luther, Jr. "’Facing the Challenge of a New Age,’ Address Delivered at NAACP Emancipation Day Rally.” Speech. 1 Jan 1957. https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/facing-challenge-new-age-address-delivered-naacp-emancipation-day-rally
Lewis, David L. “Martin Luther King, Jr.” Britannica, 11 Jan 2023. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Martin-Luther-King-Jr
Trzcinski, Matthew. “‘Star Trek’: How Martin Luther King Changed the Show.” Showbiz Cheat Sheet, 31 May 2020. https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/star-trek-how-martin-luther-king-changed-the-show.html/