#Building Bridges in Jacksonville
Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service (MLK Day) is the only federal holiday that is also designated by Congress as a national day of service – a “day on, not a day off." By participating in service projects, we can bridge divides, heal wounds, and create lasting change that will benefit our community for years to come. The service project might meet a tangible need, such as fixing up a school or senior center, or it might do the hard work of starting to build a sense of community or mutual responsibility.
"Everybody can be great because everybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK Week of Service (January 12-20)
Nearly 40% of Northeast Florida households struggle to make ends meet, which is often caused by systemic barriers to economic mobility and a cycle of generational poverty. United Way of Northeast Florida, the City of Jacksonville, and AmeriCorps believe the power of volunteerism and critical community dialogue can begin to break down these barriers and serve as a catalyst for community change.
Volunteer projects will take place across three counties (Duval, Clay, and Nassau), with activities including home repairs, food distributions, RealSense neighborhood canvassing, and much more! Plus, participate in specially curated events that will cultivate empathy and understanding.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy of Unity
This week of volunteer projects, events, and community dialogues addressing economic mobility and needs in underserved communities starts with the 37th Annual MLK Breakfast on Friday, January 12 (presented by the City of Jacksonville, NAACP, and the Jacksonville Urban League) and the Opening Rally for volunteers at The Ritz Theatre and Museum on January 13 at 8 a.m.
Other events include:
- Jan. 13: Various service projects in New Town, North Riverside, and the Historic Eastside
- Jan. 15: MLK Day Parade in Downtown Jacksonville
- Jan. 15. MLK Day at the Prime Osborn Convention Center
- Jan. 16: Gracious Space community conversations in each Jacksonville City Council District
- Jan. 17: United Way Meet ALICE Experience
- Jan. 20: Jax Urban Book Fest at James Weldon Johnson Park
- Jan. 20: Unity Mural at Independent Drive and Newnan Street
Coretta Scott King said, “The greatest birthday gift my husband could receive is if people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds celebrated the holiday by performing individual acts of kindness through service to others.” Details on projects and activities taking place during MLK Week of Service can be found at unitedwaynefl.org/mlk.
#MLK Day Book Recommendations
If you're looking to build bridges, Jacksonville Public Library also has an AMAZING collection of books featuring stories and information written by and about people from varied backgrounds, races, ethnicities, life experiences, and viewpoints. We love to share selections that demonstrate the range of our collection all year and we encourage you to explore these books with us this week. Please note: All Jacksonville Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, January 15 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Books for Kids
Teen Reads
