As always, there’s a lot to consider on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

I’m so glad that King Day was finally established. After a 15-year battle, legislation was signed in 1983 creating a federal holiday marking King’s birthday. The federal holiday was first observed in 1986, making 2023 the 37th anniversary of the King federal holiday. The holiday has been recognized in each state since 2000. 

In 2019, a survey showed that 45 percent of employers give all or most employees a paid day off for King Day. That percentage doubled since 1990, according to the survey.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the only national holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

To observe King Day, AmeriCorps invites you to:

• engage with your community and create constructive action.
• act on Legacy of social justice and equity.
• recommit by Volunteering to serve others. You can clean up a public space, mentor a young person, or help those who are food insecure.

To look for a volunteer opportunity, click here.

As King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’’’