Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday that falls on the third Monday in January, and has become a time to reflect on the legacy of the influential leader in the civil rights struggle.
"Everyone can be excellent because everyone can serve,"
is a phrase of the famous leader that is often remembered on this date that he is also dedicated to community service.
Since it became a holiday in 1983, this day has taken on special importance due to the persistence of the struggle for racial equality and minority rights in the United States.
The murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, the protests of the Black Lives Matter movement last year, the presidential elections in November and the storming of the Capitol by a mob of Donald Trump supporters are some recent events that reaffirm the importance of the legacy. by King Jr.
With only two days to
go until the
inauguration,
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris joined the Martin Luther King Jr.Day commemorations
as preparations continue in Washington, which is militarized due to an extraordinary deployment of security.
Military personnel walked by the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2021. Getty Images / Getty Images
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Biden, who was accompanied by several family members, participated in an activity in the parking lot of Philabundance, an organization that distributes food to people in need.
The Biden family helped fill about 150 boxes with fresh fruit and non-perishable items.
Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, filled bags with food at an event held at Martha's Table, a food bank in Washington.
In the afternoon, the senator resigned her seat in Congress.
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A violent time
Speakers at the annual Martin Luther King Jr.Day celebration in Atlanta called for a renewal of the principles of nonviolence and peaceful protests, after a turbulent year in which the country has been affected. over a deadly pandemic, protests against systemic racism and a divisive election that culminated in the assault on Capitol Hill.
"
This celebration has not only come at a time of great danger and physical violence
, it also happens during a time of violence in our speech, in what we say and how we say it," said the Reverend Bernice King, daughter of the leader of the struggle. for civil rights.
"Frankly, it's out of control and we're doing ourselves a lot of damage."
Father John Koziol prayed during a Mass dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr. at Saint Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Jonesboro, Georgia, United States, on January 18, 2021. Reuters
["Why do we still have to do this?" Thousands march on Washington to reclaim the unfulfilled dream of Martin Luther King Jr.]
Bernice King said the toll from the pandemic, the persistent outrage over the murders of unarmed black people, and the assault on the legislative headquarters in Washington by supporters of President Donald Trump underscore the urgent need to achieve what her father defined as “The beloved community”: a world in which conflict is resolved without violence and where compassion dictates policy.
He cited the words his father uttered more than 50 years ago:
"In this enigma of life and unfolding history, 'there is' something akin to being too late
.
"
"We still have a choice: non-violent coexistence or violent co-annihilation," said Bernice King, referring to her father's thinking.
"This may be humanity's last chance to choose between chaos and community
.
"
The Boston Celtics also celebrated King Jr.'s legacy during a game against the New York Knicks in Boston on January 17, 2021.
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United States Senator-elect Raphael Warnock, who is the pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church which was also the temple where King Jr. preached, appealed for unity following his recent election on Jan. 5.
"We are together, let's work together," Warnock said, calling the COVID-19 pandemic a reminder that all people are "united, as Dr. King said, in a single garment of destiny."
"Since we are dealing with a deadly airborne disease, my neighbor coughs and I am in danger from that cough," Warnock said.
“But that doesn't make my neighbor my enemy.
That means our destiny is united. "
["I have a dream", by Martin Luther King. His full speech in Spanish]
Although restrictions and closures due to coronavirus disrupted many face-to-face celebrations and volunteer activities, there are many safe options to participate in the service work that characterizes this day.
The website for AmeriCorps, a federal public service organization, has a directory where you can search for volunteer opportunities, and President-elect Joe Biden's inaugural committee has suggested involvement with tasks such as making cards for COVID-19 patients, knit blankets for the homeless or organize fundraisers online for various non-profit organizations.
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968 while supporting striking healthcare workers in Memphis, Tennessee.
January 15 marked the 92nd anniversary of his birth.
With information from AP, NBC News and The New York Times