5 Ways to Celebrate MLK Day at Work
Sometimes organizations want to recognize important days in the diversity calendar like Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day). You or your employee resource groups might want to plan something supportive for your team members, but you struggle with just what to do.
Tune in to today’s episode to learn:
Who Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was
When to observe MLK Day
About MLK’s non-violent approach to social justice
How MLK day is typically observed
5 ways you might celebrate MLK day in the workplace.
Click “play” on the YouTube video below to listen to the episode. Or keep scrolling to read the article.
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ARTICLE
In the United States, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is observed annually on the third Monday in January.
The day commemorates the life and work of Dr. King, who was a Baptist minister and prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. His speeches are some of the most iconic of the 20th century. And his famous “I have a dream speech is probably the one with the most recognition globally.”
It was delivered in 1963 – and he spoke of a dream in which racism and racial segregation were a thing of the past.
He’s particularly known for his non-violent approach to social justice and organized many boycotts and protests including the year-long one in 1955 in which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in the “Whites only” section of the bus.
And when segregationists threw a bomb into his home, he asked his supporters to show love and to not retaliate against those who had tried to harm him.
He also organized the first sit-in as a peaceful form of protest, where people occupied and refused to leave a particular area in Greensboro North Carolina where he was from.
People are encouraged to use the day to “reflect on the principles of racial equality and nonviolent social change” The holiday is typically observed with events such as marches and rallies and speeches by politicians and civil rights leaders.
In the workplace, there are many ways that you might celebrate MLK day:
You might wish to display a short film on the life of Dr. King during a lunch and learn session.
You might even wish to play an excerpt his speech over your P.A. system.
You might facilitate an educational event bringing in speakers to talk about the life of Dr. King or to talk about that period in American history before integration.
You might read Dr. King’s letter from Birmingham Jail.
Or you might volunteer in the community with groups that align with Dr. King’s values.
However, you celebrate it – be sure that you are honouring his legacy, bringing people together, and promoting equality and justice for everyone.
Additional Resources
For a full biography of Dr. Martin Luther King please visit Brittanica at https://www.britannica.com/biography/Martin-Luther-King-Jr
About Janelle Benjamin: Janelle Benjamin, B.A., J.D., is the Founder & Chief Equity Officer of All Things Equitable Inc. helping employers make workplaces more diverse, inclusive, and safe for equity-seeking groups. Learn more about Janelle and how she can help you!
