Each year, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed as a federal holiday on the third Monday of January — Jan. 16. The theme for this year is “Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset to Transform Unjust Systems,” according to The King Center — a nonprofit founded by MLK’s wife, Coretta Scott King, to continue Dr. King’s legacy.
If you have time to dedicate to our community, here are five local volunteer opportunities:
- Crabtree Farms | Sign up to volunteer on the farm with field work support and maintenance, community garden maintenance, and upkeep.
- Chickamauga & Chattanooga Military Park | The park will host one of its annual days of service from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. with a focus on battlefield restorations with the removal of invasive plant species.
- Green Steps | Join Green Steps and Be Caffeinated for the Red Bank Citywide Cleanup today from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Trash grabbers, bags, and gloves are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis + large used bags are appreciated.
- Urban League of Greater Chattanooga | Volunteer with the Urban League to support its mission of enabling African-Americans, along with other minorities and disadvantaged individuals, to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power, and civil rights.
- Chatt Foundation (formerly Chattanooga Community Kitchen) | The Chatt Foundation’s greatest volunteer needs are in food service, but there are various other opportunities.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga | Become a mentor to a high school student, or try community or school-based mentoring for less of a time commitment.
You can also participate in these local MLK events:
- 53rd Annual MLK Parade and March | Monday, Jan. 16 | 1 p.m. | Miller Park, 928 Market St., Chattanooga | Free | Join the Unity Group of Chattanooga’s MLK Day parade and march along MLK Boulevard to Peeples Street.
- MLK Day ice skating | Monday, Jan. 16 | 3-7 p.m. | Ice on the Landing, 1400 Market St., Chattanooga | $6-$12 | In honor of MLK Day, Ice on the Landing will donate 10% of today’s admission proceeds to the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga.
- 2nd Anniversary and MLK Day Celebration | Monday, Jan. 16 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Lil Mama’s Chicago Style Hoagy, 818 Georgia Ave., Chattanooga | Price of purchase | Celebrate the spot’s second anniversary + MLK Day with sales giving back to the Chattanooga Choral for the preservation of African American music.
- MLK Day Youth Leadership Symposium | Monday, Jan. 16 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. MLK Blvd., Chattanooga | Free, RSVP | This program is geared for students ages 12+ and will discuss building the community through racial, economic, and environmental justice.