Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) proudly commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2024 by paying homage to the profound impact and enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His unwavering commitment to fostering a world of justice, compassion, equity, and peace remains an enduring beacon. Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. King emerged as a formidable figure, blending his roles as a social activist and a minister to catalyze pivotal change during the American Civil Rights Movement. His tragic assassination in 1968 didn't extinguish his transformative vision, which continues to inspire generations.
At WPI, we encourage our community to delve into, honor, and celebrate the remarkable life and indelible legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This commemoration extends beyond our campus, reaching into the Greater Worcester community and far beyond, serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of advocacy, equality, and unity.
Read, Watch, Listen and Learn
- Read Call to Action for upcoming MLK, Jr. Day
- Explore AmeriCorps, MLKDay.gov to search for MLK Day virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities in the Worcester community and beyond.
- Explore The King Center | The Center for Nonviolent Social Change
- Explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Explore the National Civil Rights Museum
- Read Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech in its entirety (NPR)
- Read “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
- Read “Why We Can’t Wait” by MLK Jr.
- Explore The King Center (provides information about MLK Jr.’s life, teachings, and resources for activism and education).
- Watch “Eyes on the Prize” (PBS Documentary covering the Civil Rights Movement) on HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV.
- Watch “Selma” (a movie depicting events surrounding the voting rights marches in 1965) on Paramount TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime.
Take Action
- Donate to Flourish at Thrive—a local food pantry (Worcester, MA).
- Donate or Volunteer with Food Banks and Pantries—Visit Feeding America or Food Pantries to find an organization near you.
- Deliver Meals and Groceries to Vulnerable Seniors—Contact local Meals on Wheels to learn ways to volunteer.
- The 39th Annual Community Breakfast in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 15 at 8:00 AM at Assumption University (Plourde Recreation Center, 500 Salisbury St, Worcester.
- Register to Vote -OR- Check Your Voter Registration
- Everything you need to vote. Vote.org
- Become a Poll Worker
The journey to establish a holiday honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. began in the wake of his tragic assassination, sparking a rapid push for recognition. In the fifteen years following that pivotal moment, unwavering advocacy persisted, culminating in a significant milestone. On November 2, 1983, the persistent efforts found fruition when former President Ronald Reagan signed House of Representatives Bill Number 3706 into law. This historic act declared January 15, Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, as a revered national holiday—a testament to the enduring impact of Dr. King's mission and vision.
Remarkably, it wasn't until the turn of the millennium, in 2000, that every state in the nation officially observed MLK Day, marking a unifying moment in American history. This day stands as a poignant reminder, met with solemn reflection, commemorated through spirited parades, empowering marches, and stirring speeches that echo Dr. King's profound ideals. Significantly, MLK Day holds a unique distinction as the sole federal holiday designated by Congress as a national day of service—a call to action to engage in meaningful community service, fostering unity and progress. It's aptly termed a "day on, not a day off," emphasizing the value of collective action and the ongoing pursuit of Dr. King's dream of a more just and compassionate society.
Learn More: https://www.history.com/mlk
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.