MLK Week of Service

Willy Phillips, Campus News Reporter

As a celebrated figure, Martin Luther King will forever be remembered as an immense influence in the fight for civil liberties on behalf of oppressed African Americans.  His non-violent actions and commitment to justice caused huge shifts in policy and human interaction both in the US and around the world.

Here at Kent, there is an entire week dedicated to public service in an attempt to honor the feats of this incredible man.

Starting Monday, January 18th and continuing to Sunday, January 25th, this week at school serves as an opportunity to give back to the surrounding community as Dr. King did throughout his entire life.

Each day brings new activities that benefit others in a multitude of ways.  For example, during lunch on Tuesday there was an opportunity to assist in making bagged lunches for homeless individuals, followed by a basketball practice with local 1st graders later in the afternoon.

Each day targets new individuals in the hope of bringing some sort of happiness or peace to their lives.  The week as a whole serves as a reminder to the students of Kent that living here is an incredible privilege and that we have a responsibility as capable and aware individuals to contribute in every way possible, as there are endless ways to help those in need.

Whether it be making a lunch for a homeless man or volunteering to teach a child how to play basketball, the opportunities serve as a reminder of the great works accomplished by Martin Luther King.

It is easy to believe that Dr. King often asked himself and those around him something he called “life’s most persistent and urgent question: ‘What are you doing for others?”’

This question is indeed one to live by. More importantly, these are words to serve by.