Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday

Next Monday, January 19, is the federal holiday. Some of us will sleep in and visit the mall, some of us will be working anyway, and some of us will mark the day with a token remembrance of Dr. King's influence on the course of our national experience. Here are a few ideas, none very original, as you plan your own MLK Day itinerary.

1. Watch a YouTube video of one of Dr. King's speeches. His famous address on the Washington Mall in August 1963 only runs about 18 minutes.
2. Read something he wrote. You might start with his Letter from Birmingham Jail. It is a clear defense of his advocacy of nonviolent direct action, full of biblical allusions and references and respectfully addressed to a group of white southern clergymen.
3. Look for a King Day of Service volunteer project. Or better yet, come up with one of your own. You'll find resources here.
4. Attend the 16th Annual Martin Luther King Jr./ Human Rights Community Breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 17 9am to 11:30am at Moscow Jr. High School. It's sponsored by the Latah County Human Rights Task Force and is an annual community event.

You probably have some ideas too, so let us know how you or your family or living group plan to make next Monday a Day On, Not Off, in honor of Dr. King.