“… integration is more subtle and internal, for it involves attitudes… Desegregation usually precedes integration, the former making the latter possible. But this is not automatic. Once the laws between them have been struck down, (we) will still need to win friends across the invisible, though nonetheless real, psychological color line. Such a challenge will be more difficult and less glorious.”

As we approach a day that commemorates the actions and ideas of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we pause to reflect on Dr. King’s dream. Dr. King’s dream was not limited to his March on Washington speech, but was discussed throughout his career, and in many aspects. He recognized the need for the internal work necessary to the task of true integration. Work that, it seems, is only now becoming ‘mainstream.’ Work that, to this day, meets resistance.

As we pause to reflect, Solid Ground acknowledges that, though the “Whites Only” signs have disappeared, and suffrage has been granted to U.S. citizens without regard to race, the “difficult and less glorious” work of true integration has yet to be achieved. As we continue to forge a path forward, we also acknowledge the value of service in that work. To that end, we would like to highlight a number of opportunities for service on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 21, 2019.

First, we want to highlight Solid Ground’s own advocacy efforts, through its advocacy partner Poverty Action, which will be hosting their annual MLK Lobby Day event.

Free transportation will be provided to Olympia from Solid Ground (1501 N 45th St, Seattle WA 98103), and will be leaving at 7am. Other transportation options are also available; please inquire by phone (Omar Cuevas Vega 206.694.6867. They will provide breakfast, lunch, childcare, and training on how to speak to your legislators. For those that are not able to attend the event, you can still support by calling your legislator directly.

Next, we have a list of other opportunities compiled from web resources. Please reach out to directly to the associated organization for any information on the respective listings. All events are free, unless otherwise noted.

United Way of King County Day of Service
Location: Various
Address: Various
Time: Various
Brief description: United Way’s Day of Service offers a number of service projects, throughout the Puget Sound region. Check their website for details, and to sign up.
Phone: 206.461.3700

2019 King Day at NAAM
Location: Northwest African American Museum
Address: 2300 S. Massachusetts Street, Seattle, WA 98144
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Brief description: Keynote speakers, film screenings, performances, children activities.
Cost: Free, by donation
Phone: 206.518.6000

Seattle MLK Jr. Organizing Coalition
Location: Garfield High School
Address: 400 23rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Brief description: Workshops, march, rally, and lunch.
Phone: 206.708.0555

Ignition Northwest’s Day of Service Projects
Location: Ignition Northwest
Address: Various Addresses, check the event page
Time: Various Times, check the event page
Brief description: Day of service at various locations.
Phone: NA

MLK Day of Service Restoration Event
Location: Seward Park Audobon Center
Address: 5902 Lake Washington Boulevard South, Seattle, WA 98118
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Brief description: Reforest areas of Seward Park.
Phone: 206.652.2444

A Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Location: Edmonds Center for the Arts
Address: 410 4th Avenue N, Edmonds, WA 98020
Time: Morning and Evening sessions
Brief description: Morning program for families, children, and youth, and an evening program of music, dance, and arts.
Cost: Various costs
Website, Morning Program
Website, Evening Program
Phone: 425.275.9595

Celebrate the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Location: Edmonds Community College, Black Box Theatre
Address: 20310 68th Avenue West, Lynnwood, WA 98036
Time: 12:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Brief description: Lecture from Dr. Michael Benitez, Jr.
Phone: 425.640.1459

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration
Location: Greater Tacoma Convention Center
Address: 1500 Commerce Street, Tacoma, WA 98402
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Brief description: Bring the community together, awards
Phone: 253.573.2523

2019 MLK Jr. Unity Breakfast
Location: University Y Student Center
Address: 1710 Market Street, Tacoma, WA 98402
Time: 8:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Brief description: Lecture from Dr. Boyce Watkins and breakfast
Cost: $10.00 – $20.00
Phone: 253.692.4501

March for MLK
Location: Bates Technical College
Address: 1101 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Brief description: Refreshment and entertainment before a march to Greater Tacoma Convention Center
Phone: 253.680.7000

MLK Jr Day of Service in Licton Springs
Location: Licton Springs Neighborhood
Address: Meet at the northeast corner of N 85th St and Meridian Ave N., Seattle, WA 98103
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Brief description: Reclaim neighborhood green spaces.
Phone: NA

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Garden Work Party
Location: Hillside Church
Address: 930 East James Street, Kent, WA 98031
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Brief description: Prepare for upcoming construction projects and preseason maintenance.
Phone: 253.277.1121

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Annual Celebration
Location: The NBCF WFLC
Address: 19300 108th Ave SE, Kent, WA 98031
Time: 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Brief description: Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Phone: 425.282.6220

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
Location: Washington State History Museum
Address: 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Brief description: Free admission to the museum, including a small panel exhibition about Dr. King’s visit to Washington State, and a performance by Ruby Bridges at 2:00 p.m.
Phone: 253.272.3500

MLK Day of Service
Location: Woodland Creek Community Park
Address: 6729 Pacific Avenue SE, Lacey, WA 98503
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Brief description: Help restore Woodland Creek Community Park’s riparian buffer and natural areas.
Phone: NA

Emergency Feeding Program’s MLK Jr. Celebration
Location: Damascus International Fellowship
Address: 5261 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Brief description: Keynote speaker Jeanett Charles, Co-Founder of D.A.D.S. will speak

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Information in this post was compiled by the members of Solid Ground’s People of Color Caucus.