Dismantling Racism Team

Monday, January 20, 2025, is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This federal holiday celebrates the achievements of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. First introduced just four days after his assassination on April 4, 1968, the legislation establishing the holiday didn’t get passed until 15 years later. It was signed into law by President Reagan in 1983, and took an additional 17 years to be fully recognized in all 50 states. In 1994, under President Clinton, it became the only federal holiday dedicated to volunteerism, after Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act. This act encourages Americans to observe the day "with acts of civic work and community service" in honor of King's legacy.

If you’re looking for a way to volunteer for a project related to civil rights, you can do so without even leaving the house by helping the Smithsonian Museum transcribe the Freedmen’s Bureau records. Visit https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/initiatives/freedmensbureau-records for more information. Or if you’d prefer to recognize the holiday by learning more about the Civil Rights Movement, consider visiting the Coretta Scott King Rose Gallery, an immersive digital experience hosted by The King Center. 

Northfield UMC will celebrate MLK Day by inviting Cynthia Wilson, NAACP President, to preach on January 19. She will also lead an adult forum after worship. Cynthia has lived with her family in North Minneapolis and worked in various roles for the City of Minneapolis for more than 30 years. She has held several positions within the Minneapolis NAACP Branch, working to h