King Holiday Message: There Is Still Work to Do

From the city where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther, Jr. was born 91 years ago to towns and cities across the nation, Americans today celebrated the courageous history of the slain Civil Rights leader honored with a federal holiday the third Monday of every January which many observe by performing acts of service.

At the King Center in Atlanta, hundreds packed a service attended dignitaries, clergy, King’s daughter, Dr. Bernice King who tweeted, “Let us be dissatisfied” and paid tribute to her mother, Coretta Scott King, for her role in the Civil Rights Movement.

Atlanta City Council President Felicia Moore eschewed the notion of the King holiday as merely a day off work, suggesting that the acronym NOW, not off work, more accurately reflects King’s spirit.

“As long as our cities are filled with people without homes, we are not off work,” Moore stated. “Until every child is guaranteed a quality education regardless of their zip code, we are not off work. We are not off work until all women receive equal pay for equal work…human trafficking is eradicated…HIV and AIDS is eradicated…and the declining population of middle class is halted.”

Remembering in Pine Bluff

Chilly temperatures greeted parade goers in Pine Bluff, Arkansas where dozens turned out for the city’s celebration. Members of Gamma Psi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity spent the day working with their young mentees who sold hot chocolate along the parade route.

“Our mentoring group is called the Sigma Beta Club, and they are ages eight to 18,” said Justin Harmon. “We emphasize scholarship, brotherhood, and service.”

Harmon echoed what’s become a familiar refrain on the King Holiday.

He stated, “Because Dr. King was a big advocate of service, we have our guys out here. It’s a Day On, and not a day off. You’re working even though you’re not at school. You’re still involved.”

Natonn Harris, a working mother, and her daughter were bundled in hats and jackets to watch the parade.

“It was a top priority for my child [to see the parade] so she can know her history,” Harris explained.

And, from her car, Krystal Allen kept an eye on her two sons as they excitedly talked with friends and moved about to stay warm. Both expressed pride when asked about Dr. King’s legacy, saying “he was great” and “helped with integration.”

The message that emanated from the King Center moved across the streets of America today in various iterations, but they shared a common theme.

“I understand you may have been fighting for a long, long time, or, you may have just started your social justice journey,” Moore said. “Wherever you fall on that spectrum, I encourage you to believe that victory is obtainable, and we have to stay in the fight. So, until we see the manifestation of the Beloved Community, we are not off work. Together, we can solve the issues facing us today and establish a path forward and upward for the next generation. Let’s do it now, right now…because we are not off work.”