‘Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve’: Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

On Jan. 20, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a National Day of Service. The observance acknowledges his contributions to society and encourages participation in initiatives, activities and events that honor his legacy and advance efforts toward a more equitable society for all. 

History 

A prominent figure in the civil rights movement, Dr. King advocated for equality and human rights for all, including African Americans, economically disadvantaged persons, and victims of injustice. He promoted non-violence and used his voice and words to inspire change.

As we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, consider his enduring voice and its profound impact. His call to action remains relevant and compelling across generations. Its resonance continues to inspire meaningful actions and progress. 

Some of Dr. King’s most notable achievements include:

• Leadership of the 1955-1956 Montgomery bus boycott, which led the Supreme Court to declare segregation on buses unconstitutional.
• Organization of the March on Washington in 1963, at which he delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech to more than a quarter million people.
• Key influencer of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed segregation and created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
• Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and was the youngest person to have received the award.
• The first official Martin Luther King Jr. Day was celebrated in 1986 and is the only federal holiday commemorating an African American. 

Ways to honor Dr. King 

At Providence Swedish, our value of justice means we stand in solidarity with those who are most vulnerable, working to remove the causes of oppression and promoting justice for all. Dr. King’s legacy inspires us to remain steadfast in the Mission and to work toward our vision of Health for a Better World.

Take time this MLK Day to connect with your neighborhood or volunteer in service of your community. As Dr. King said, “Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve.”

Volunteer your time

• MLK Jr. Day of Service: The YMCA of Snohomish County hosts a day of service on Monday, Jan. 20. Volunteers can help with food distribution, organize donations, or support the thrift store.
• MLK Day of Service: The City of Lynnwood hosts a day of service on Monday, Jan. 20 at 9 a. m. 
• MLK Day of Service at Gold Park: Students from Edmonds College will participate in a park clean-up on Monday, Jan. 20 at Gold Park in Lynnwood from 10 a. m.-1 p. m. Students will honor Dr. King's legacy, develop leadership skills, and make a difference in the community.
• Book Drive for MLK Day Event: Edmonds Bookshop is holding a book drive through Jan. 19. The books collected will support the MLK Day event at the Edmonds Waterfront Center on Jan. 20.
• United Way of King County is hosting many MLK Day volunteer opportunities,  including volunteer work for the Seattle MLK Jr. Organizing Coalition, the Hunger Intervention Program, supporting refugee food access locally with World Relief, and much more.  
• Green Kirkland is hosting a MLK Day 2025 stewardship event which is open to youth volunteers, Jan. 20.
• Join a volunteer opportunity with City Year supporting South Shore PK, Jan. 25. Volunteers are asked to wear clothes they can get dirty and closed-toed shoes.

Educate yourself.

• The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change Center in Atlanta offers a collection of online resources and virtual events for students, educators and researchers. The King Center was established on June 26, 1968, by the late Coretta Scott King approximately two months after the assassination of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on April 4th of that year.
• The Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University is home to a large collection of Dr. King's papers and other significant King-related material, including this compelling multi-media exploration of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech.  

Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.

• Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration: The Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee hosts this two-day event in Everett:
  • • Day 1: Sunday, Jan. 19, 3:30–5:30 p. m. at First Presbyterian Church 2936 Rockefeller Ave., Everett.
    • Day 2: Monday, Jan. 20, 11 a. m. - 2 p. m. The event begins at Everett Memorial Stadium, 3900 Broadway, Everett,  and ends at Carl Gipson Center, 3025 Lombard Ave, Everett.
• MLK Tribute and Celebration in Edmonds: A family-friendly event on Monday, Jan. 20 from 9:30-11:30 a. m. at the Edmonds Waterfront Center. Activities include dancing, games, children's book readings, and arts and crafts. 
• The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon takes place noon -1:30 p. m., Jan. 17 at the Seattle Convention Center.
• Seattle Colleges annual Community Celebration of MLK takes place Jan. 17 featuring a keynote address from writer and educator Tim Wise.
• Join an MLK Freedom Run in Seattle on Jan. 18, that is open to all paces and ages.
• Seattle, Mercer Island and the Eastside come together in a competitive basketball tournament, the 2025 MLK Classic, Jan. 18-20.
• Seattle MLK Jr. Organizing Coalition will hold its 42^nd Annual MLK March, Rally and Opportunity Fair, Jan. 20 at Garfield High School.
• Enjoy the all-ages Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at Northwest African American Museum, Jan. 20. Includes story time, book giveaways, and community conversations.

Contributing caregiver

Karen Ashley is the vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) officer for the Providence Swedish family of organizations.

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Download the Providence app

It’s all in the app: easily stay connected with Providence and your health. With the Providence app, you can schedule appointments, have virtual visits from the comfort of your own home, get health recommendations personalized for you, access your health records and so much more. Learn more and download the app.

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