Each year, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed as a federal holiday on the third Monday of January — Jan. 16 this year. 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 his legacy.
Dr. King’s work includes two visits to San Diego — one in 1962 and one in 1964 — when he delivered speeches. Throughout the city, you will find murals depicting the civil rights leader and streets named in his honor. There is also the Martin Luther King Promenade that runs along Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego that features public art work symbolizing MLK’s messages, like Mel Edwards’ ”Breaking of the Chains.”
Like Dr. King, if you have time to dedicate to our community, here are three local volunteer opportunities:
- Feeding San Diego | Help relieve hunger by sorting + packing produce for families in need, support a local distribution site, call donors, and more.
- San Diego Habitat for Humanity | Build homes — and hope — for those in need.
- United Way of San Diego | Sort items at the food pantry, read to kids, and help with toy + food drives.
Looking for other ways to get involved? Check out more local volunteer opportunities
.