Mon., Jan. 17 marks the 27th anniversary of the national MLK Day of Service, a day dedicated to honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life + serving the community.

Locally, the MLK Day of Service was launched in 2014. To continue the tradition in Chattanooga, we’re breaking down how you can take part in this annual “day on, not day off.”

Honor

Beloved Community Gathering | Mon., Jan. 17 | 1 p.m. | Miller Park | The Unity Group of Chattanooga is hosting this Covid-conscious, outdoor gathering in lieu of the annual MLK Parade.

“It Starts with Me: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice” | Mon., Jan. 17 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Chattanooga State, virtual | This Zoom panel is open to the public with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education — ID Number 833 2721 5619, Passcode 103001.
MLK Day Youth Leadership Symposium | Mon., Jan. 17 | 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Kingdom Center, 730 E. MLK Blvd. | RSVP | Hear empowering messages and participate in skill-building activities with local leaders + enjoy food, music, trivia, and a free vaccine clinic.

Volunteer

MLK Day of Service Donation Drive | Mon., Jan. 17 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Chattanooga City Hall | The drive will kick-off with welcome remarks by Mayor Tim Kelly, music, a spoken-word performance, and reflections on service.

MLK Service Day at the Farm | Mon., Jan. 17 | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Crabtree Farms, 1000 E. 30th St. | RSVP | Spend the day of service volunteering at the farm by helping with greenhouse work, adding compost to community gardens, and more.
Red Bank MLK Day of Service | Mon., Jan. 17 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 3601 Dayton Blvd. | RSVP | Join Red Bank leaders + businesses to clean up litter in south, central, and north Red Bank.
11th Street Litter Cleanup with Marie Mott | Mon., Jan. 17 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 652 E. 10th St. | RSVP | Join local activist Marie Mott + nonprofit Green Steps for the third annual 11th Street litter cleanup — food and other donations also accepted.

Not everyone is able to attend the scheduled events + volunteer opportunities — that’s ok. You can find your own ways to volunteer within the community and can share them online using the hashtag #MLKChatt2022.