The first month of the year is special for a number of reasons, including the opportunity for a fresh start, as millions of people make New Year’s resolutions in an effort to turn the page on the previous year.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is January 20, 2025, and is a day of contemplation and celebration. Dr. King was an American Baptist minister, activist, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and one of the most prominent leaders of the civil rights movement. His leadership was fundamental throughout the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. King promoted nonviolent tactics that included the March on Washington in 1963.

Here are some of the many ways to celebrate Dr. King and serve in his name.

  • Give what you can. Donate money or goods to a charitable organization, food pantry, or drop off clothing at a homeless shelter.
  • Donate time. Dr. King’s legacy is a testament to cooperation. When people work together and support one another, the world becomes a better place for future generations. Volunteering at a local nonprofit organization is a start.
  • Watch the “I Have a Dream” speech. Dr. King was a skilled orator, and this speech is about 17 minutes long. Many people may not have listened to the speech in its entirety, nor fully absorbed its message. MLK Day is an ideal time to listen to the speech from start to finish.
  • Promote equality initiatives. Racism, segregation, and inequality are still a problem today. Use MLK Day as a catalyst for change to promote equality among all people.
  • Spearhead mixers and other friendly socials. Dr. King espoused a message of kindness and respect for others. By bringing people together from different backgrounds, individuals can learn that they have more in common than they realize. Host special social gatherings that can take place on or around MLK Day.
  • Plant a tree or other enduring symbol. A Greek proverb says, “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.” It means that planting trees represents actions that will benefit future generations, even if the person planting them will not live long enough to reap the benefits. Dr. King facilitated greater racial harmony and peace even though he was not able to enjoy it more fully.
  • Learn more about Dr. King. Visit a cultural center offering a special MLK Day exhibit, read biographies, or watch a movie about Dr. King’s life and work. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the celebration of a man who did great things that continue to benefit generations of people who came after him. Visit https://www.michiganstreetbuffalo.org/mlk-sites to learn more about ways to honor Dr. King this year in Western New York.