Story by Clarksville NAACP
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The local Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Martin Luther King Celebration Steering Committee, announces the Dr. King Day of Service Celebration Events for 2014.
The “Day On, Not a Day Off Celebration” begins with the NAACP Community Worship Service Sunday, Jan. 19 at Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church, 900 Franklin Street at 5:00pm.
The Committee will continue its tradition of Educational Workshops at Burt Elementary School on Austin Peay State University campus Monday, Jan. 20 at 9:00 am.
Completing the 2014 celebration is the 19th Annual Commemorative March Monday at noon, which shows solidarity in the Clarksville community of the ideals of Dr. King, how all of humanity has benefitted from the efforts of this great civil rights leader, and how living the dream means living it together.
In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the King Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service. Over the years, Americans’ commitment to serve humanity on this great holiday has brought new meaning to the term, “the King Day of Service”.
The Clarksville educational workshops are mini-seminars for youth and adults focused on self esteem, dealing with peer pressures, self empowerment and health related issues. The facilitators include the Clarksville NAACP, black Greek lettered fraternities and sororities, Masons and other social organizations. This is an opportunity to provide a public dialogue on building a community spirit and continuing the legacy of “The Dream” for persons from all ages and backgrounds.
It is said, “The best way for young people to learn about Dr. King’s legacy is to get involved themselves.” All events are open to the public.