January 19 is a federal holiday marking the observance of Civil Rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The third Monday of January was chosen for MLK Day to keep the holiday as close as possible to King’s birthday, which was January 15.
Banks and local government offices will be closed, but celebrations of Dr. King’s legacy are planned, and both encourage giving back.
The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Award Breakfast hosted by the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Iota Lambda Chapter kicks off at 7:06 am Monday morning at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center. The success of the event over the last 32 years afforded Alpha Phi Alpha the ability to present hundreds of high school seniors in the Fountain City and surrounding areas with hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships.
The Unity Award Breakfast also recognizes an individual or an organization that has consistently promoted unity in our community.
Then at Noon, Piedmont Columbus Regional’s Pastoral Care department will host an MLK Day Chapel Service at the hospital’s conference center, located at 710 Center Street.
The service will feature special music, a word of inspiration and a rendition of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech will be performed by Senior Chaplain Marlon Scott. The event is free and open to the public; participants must wear a mask.
Piedmont Columbus Regional’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) council is also honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King by collecting items for Valley Rescue Mission and the Stewart Community Home. Hygiene products, hair supplies, toiletry items, laundry detergent, bedding, blankets, winter clothing, toys and baby supplies may be dropped off at the chapel service or in donation boxes at the lobbies of Piedmont Columbus Midtown and Northside.
Both events reflect one of Dr. King’s favorite quotes, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
