#TodayIs Martin Luther King Jr. Day – aka MLK Day. It’s a day to recognize a man who risked his life to see his children live in a nation built on equality. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spearheaded the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 and the March on Washington in 1963 (as well as many other historic accomplishments).

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has lunch with his mother while visiting Greenville in 1967 | Photo via the Joe Jordan Collection with the Greenville County Historical Society

DYK MLK was no stranger to Greenville? That’s right. Less than a year before his assassination, King visited the Upstate on April 30, 1967 and gave a speech at Greenville Memorial Auditorium, in part, to speak out against the discrimination of Black employees at Claussen Bakery. (You can read more about that day here.)

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with local leaders (including Rev. Jesse Jackson) in Greenville on April 30, 1967 | Photo via the Joe Jordan Collection with the Greenville County Historical Society

Since 1994, MLK Day has been observed as a national day of service – spent volunteering, giving back + donating to the community. While celebrations and service opportunities may be different this year because of COVID-19, the importance of MLK Day nevertheless stands – to reflect, learn, and give back to our community.