For Most People the MLK Holiday Is a Day Off, But for Me It's a Day On

Jan 13, 2017 12:00:00 AM

by

AmeriCorps member Jarrett Jones will be spending MLK Day giving back to his community. Along with over 1,000 volunteers, Jarret will be a part of a beautification project at Curie Metropolitan High School. He'll be documenting this experience through a takeover of our Instagram this Monday. Follow our Instagram now to join in.
  The question was posed to me, “Why spend a day 'on' rather than a day off?” First, let me say that this isn’t a day off for me. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Everyone has the power of greatness, not for fame but greatness, because greatness is determined by service.” He also said, “Everyone can be great because anybody can serve.” For the last five years of my life I have been driven by that ideology. [pullquote position="right"]The reason I serve is to counteract the negative imagery of Black men broadcasted in Chicago[/pullquote] as well as nationally, and to serve as a role model to young Black boys and girls so they can see that Black men are more than what the media portrays us as. By being out here on this day amongst a diverse group of people we are exhibiting that community spirit that Dr. King once dreamed of. By beautifying and creating positive imagery in communities, we are starting to counteract the perception of that imagery from the outside as well as within. It’s through these types of service projects and days "on" that the community itself exhibits that power and greatness that Dr. King spoke of years ago. So, the question shouldn’t be “Why spend a day 'on' rather than off?” It should be, “Why have one day of greatness in service, when you could have a lifetime?” The power should always reside with the people. “The people have to have the power. It belongs to the people.” —Fred Hampton
Photo courtesy of CityYear Chicago.

Ed Post Staff

The Feed

Explainers

  • What's an IEP and How to Ensure Your Child's Needs Are Met?

    Ed Post Staff

    If you have a child with disabilities, you’re not alone: According to the latest data, over 7 million American schoolchildren — 14% of all students ages 3-21 — are classified as eligible for special...

  • Seeking Justice for Black and Brown Children? Focus on the Social Determinants of Health

    Laura Waters

    The fight for educational equity has never been just about schools. The real North Star for this work is providing opportunities for each child to thrive into adulthood. This means that our advocacy...

  • Why Math Identity Matters

    Lane Wright

    The story you tell yourself about your own math ability tends to become true. This isn’t some Oprah aphorism about attracting what you want from the universe. Well, I guess it kind of is, but...