Because the pandemic is keeping many of us inside this holiday weekend, it can be difficult to come up with productive things to do on MLK 2021. The volunteer events you attended in past years may be cancelled due to the coronavirus. Maybe you were even planning a trip to a museum with exhibits about the Civil Rights Movement, but no longer feel safe going because COVID cases are spiking.
Even if you’re unable to honor Dr. King’s legacy the way you planned, there are still productive ways to celebrate this holiday from the safety of your home. Here are 4 things to do on MLK 2021 that will help support his mission of justice and equality in your community.
4 Things to Do on MLK 2021 to Honor Dr. King
1. Learn About Dr. King’s Life
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a hugely influential leader, and schools often don’t have the time to cover his work the way he deserves. This holiday weekend, dedicate some time to learning about his mission by reading his books, speeches, and letters.
Dr. King’s body of work is large, so if you’re not sure where to start, take a look at this reading list.
2. Volunteer
Dr. King believed in the power of service and its ability to transform communities. That’s why volunteering is one of the top things to do on MLK 2021.
Even though the pandemic may make it more difficult to volunteer, there are still ways to give back safely.
Now more than ever, the Red Cross needs people to donate blood. Researchers are looking into blood plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients as a potential treatment, so they need donations from people who have had the virus. Even if you haven’t gotten sick, you can still donate, so consider giving blood this year as a way to celebrate MLK Day.
Other ways to give back include mentoring kids online via Zoom or offering your professional skills to a nonprofit free of charge. There are also charities like Community Servings that need volunteers to deliver prepared meals to people in need.
Keep your eyes open and you’re sure to find plenty of opportunities to serve your local community.
3. Donate
The start of the year is a busy time for many people. If you already have things to do on MLK 2021 and don’t have room in your schedule to volunteer, you can still contribute by donating money to nonprofits like Hunger Free America. They’re honoring Dr. King by fighting hunger and food insecurity throughout the country.
You can also help keep Dr. King’s legacy alive by donating to The King Center. It was founded by Mrs. Coretta Scott King in 1968. Their main goal is to create social change using Dr. King’s methodology and teachings, so they’re a great charity to support.
4. Support Black-Owned Businesses
One of the best things to do on MLK 2021 is support Black-owned small businesses, which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. A recent report found that 41% of Black-owned businesses have shuttered due to COVID-19, while only 17% of white-owned businesses have had to close their doors for good.
Making an effort to buy products and services from Black-owned businesses on MLK Day and in the future can help close this gap.
If you think you can’t do much to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy while you’re stuck inside, think again! There are lots of productive things to do on MLK 2021 to help create a more fair and equal society, like donating to nonprofits and volunteering online. All it takes is a little creativity to find safe ways to make an impact.
Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.