By Makayla Rosales, Coordinator, Diversity, Equity & Community Engagement
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) on Monday, Jan. 20, reminds us to honor the life and legacy of a leader who championed racial equality through nonviolence. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of advancing justice and equality, while also encouraging community service in line with Dr. King’s belief in service as a catalyst for social change.
On Nov. 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law, establishing the third Monday in January as a federal holiday to honor the civil rights leader. Efforts to recognize Dr. King began just days after his assassination on April 4, 1968. However, it took 15 years of persistent advocacy from civil rights activists for the federal government to approve the holiday. It would take an additional 17 years before all 50 states officially recognized it. Today, MLK Day remains the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service, encouraging Americans to volunteer and raise awareness of the ongoing work needed to achieve social justice and equality.
MLK Day reflects the progress made in civil rights, fosters unity through education and understanding, and emphasizes the significance of continued efforts toward racial reconciliation and eliminating discrimination.
Engage in the Workplace
To honor Dr. King’s message, a meaningful way to engage employees in the workplace is by offering paid time to volunteer together or organizing volunteer activities during working hours with a local nonprofit or charitable organization. This presents an opportunity to support organizations that embody Dr. King’s ideals or to deepen relationships with organizations you already collaborate with within your community.
Another effective way to foster engagement is by initiating a meaningful dialogue with your team about how to be more intentional in your collective work, with a focus on reaching diverse audiences and ensuring your products and services are accessible to all. This conversation presents a valuable opportunity to reflect on how your team’s goals and values align with the principles Dr. King championed, such as equality, inclusion, and justice. It also offers a chance to explore ways your organization can contribute to positive change within the workplace and beyond, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Attend an Event
If you are interested in bringing your team, friends, or family to local opportunities and festivities honoring MLK Day, here are some local events:
Candle Lighting Ceremony- 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 10, 2025
MLK Recreation Center, 2901 Pennsylvania Ave., Dallas, TX, 75215
Join the Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in kicking off MLK Week by commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King. The Keynote Speaker will be Rev. Bryan Carter, Pastor of Concord Church.
MLK Fest 2025- 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025
MLK Jr. Community Center, 2922 MLK Jr. Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75215
A community clean-up and mural painting inspired by civil rights advocate Juanita Craft, followed by a resource fair and celebration at the MLK Center with live music, food, and guest speakers.
2025 MLK Celebration Job Fair- 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025
Briscoe Center at Fair Park. 1403 Washington St., Gate #2
RSVP here. (bit.ly/2025MLKJobFair)
Organized by Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, the 2025 MLK Celebration Job Fair continues Dr. King’s fight for equal employment opportunities for people of all races to have jobs and career progress, regardless of background.
43rd Annual MLK Day Parade- 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025
The Parade will start at the Fair Park Pennsylvania entrance.
Come watch on January 18 the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, co-hosted by the City of Dallas and the H.E.L.P. Organization, to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and his fight for justice and equality. Don’t miss this vibrant and inspiring event, where the community comes together to honor his work and continue the movement for positive change.
Other January holidays to celebrate
As we welcome the start of a new year, both New Year’s Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1, and Lunar New Year on Wednesday, Jan. 29, offer meaningful moments for reflection, renewal, and celebration. New Year’s Day marks a fresh beginning, a time to set new goals and embrace growth opportunities, while Lunar New Year, celebrated by millions around the world, is a rich cultural tradition that emphasizes family, prosperity, and honoring ancestors. The Lunar New Year in 2025 will mark the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, transformation, and renewal in the Chinese zodiac. To celebrate, families gather for festive meals, enjoy traditional foods symbolizing good luck, and decorate with red lanterns and banners. Parades, lion dances, and the giving of red envelopes with money also mark the occasion, all embodying wishes for prosperity, happiness, and a fresh start in the new year.
Both holidays provide an opportunity to connect with loved ones, reflect on the past, and look ahead with hope and optimism, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose for the year ahead.