PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — For volunteers across the region, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not a day off but rather a day on. Several organizations are doing their part to uphold the civil rights leader's legacy.
Frigid weather conditions were no match for warm hearts as volunteers gathered in the armory at Girard College to do their part on this day of service. Over 100,000 people across the region are expected to participate in the 30th annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service at Girard College.
Gov. Josh Shapiro reflected on the college’s historical connection with King.
"It was 60 years ago that Dr. King and Cecil B. Moore gathered here and challenged us to make sure that we would have a system of education that would educate all children equally no matter what you look like or what ZIP code you are from," the governor said.
This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.
The main theme of the day is Dr. King‘s vision of the “beloved community,” where all people work for justice, diversity and peace. With that in mind, Mayor Cherelle Parker delivered a message about the new administration in Washington.
“Don’t you dare allow anyone to plant a seed in your mind that one election of anyone can change our commitment to standing firm on our values and our beliefs,” she said.
The day’s events included a rally for peace and justice focusing on the history of Girard College and civil rights activism, a health and wellness fair led by the Black Doctors Consortium, a ceremonial ringing of the Liberty Bell, and the 14th annual Civic Engagement Expo.
Committee of 70, a civic leadership nonprofit, is leading volunteers assembling civic engagement starter kits.
Rachelle Ferrelli is with Book Trust. She says they are upholding King’s legacy of literacy.
“Today we have 3,000 books to distribute. We’ve partnered with reading captains. So children who come in can select a book, write their name in it, take it home and build their personal library.”
Todd Bernstein, founder of the event — the oldest and largest in the nation — and president of Global Citizen, a civic engagement and social justice nonprofit, says the day takes on added significance as the nation inaugurates a new president.
"I think it's more critical than ever to embrace Dr. King's values of social justice, democracy and freedom and equity, particularly in a polarized nation."
Honoring King's legacy at Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center is paying tribute to King and his lifelong service to civil rights with free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a series of special programs.
“We’re doing a reading of the I have a Dream speech, some artifact highlights on the March on Washington, there’s some family concerts. And of course, because it’s a day of service, we’re also collecting school supplies for the School District of Philadelphia,” said Jenna Kehres with the Center.
Dr. Pearlene Sterdivant brought her granddaughters Cameron and Maxine for a day of educational fun.
“I learned that Martin Luther King went to jail 29 times because he was trying to do the right thing,” said 6-year-old Maxine.
“He stopped segregation,” said Cameron.
The Martin Luther King exhibition will be open until spring.
Andrea and her husband Rolland said their visit to the Center on this day was their civil rights protest.
“It’s a more productive way to spend what I’m not thrilled about on Inauguration Day,” she said. “I thought this was a more useful way to spend my time and pay tribute to Dr. King.”
Celebrating King’s Delco connection
For Delaware County’s third annual MLK Day of Service, people from all walks of life gathered in Chester, where King once lived, to work side by side to make their neighborhoods better.
Residents from throughout the county participated in a peace march, a clean-up and art activities.
Allie Gentile with the Philadelphia Union, one of the sponsors of the day’s events, said the day shows the realization of King’s dream, bringing together students from Widener University, the communities of Chester and Philadelphia Union staff to celebrate and honor King’s legacy.
“MLK spent time here in Chester at Calvary Baptist, which is right down the road from our stadium here in Chester. And giving back to the community is at the root of what we do at the Philadelphia Union. We’re of the community, by the community, for the community,” she said.
Widener freshman Taylor Holmes braved a cold and snow Monday morning to take part.
“I just feel it’s important in general to give back to the community. I feel it’s important to give back to others,” Homes said. “MLK strived for greatness, and I feel like we should all do the same.”
Widener freshman Nevaeh Wooders said it’s inspiring to volunteer with fellow students and community members.
“I look forward to today, because once before we didn’t have these opportunities. I feel like it’s really special for us to get out and get up today and do something worth our time, because I know that’s something he would have wanted and that’s what he strived for and spoke for and marched for.”
'Striving for a more just and inclusive society'
As the bell atop Independence Hall pealed outside, Mayor Parker joined dignitaries in a ceremonial tapping of the Liberty Bell.
Independence National Historical Park Superintendent Steven Sims said the Liberty Bell was a fitting backdrop for the 39th annual ceremony.
“The bell’s crack reminds us of the imperfections in our journey towards liberty. Dr. King’s vision and perseverance calls us to continue striving for a more just and inclusive society," Sims said.
Independence Blue Cross President Greg Deavens highlighted King’s legacy of non-violence.
“It holds that voluntary suffering for a just cause can educate and transform a people and societies.”
Deavens said King’s philosophy is just as relevant in America today.