Monday, Jan. 18 is Martin Luther King, Jr. – Idaho Human Rights Day and there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and celebrate the legacy of King throughout Idaho.
Historically, Martin Luther King Jr. Day marks the recognition of the birth and life of the Baptist minister and noted civil rights leader. National legislation passed in 1994 challenges Americans to transform the holiday into a day of citizen action in honor of King.
Learn more about events planned for around the state:
Southwest Idaho
Boise State University MLK March, Rally and Celebrations. The Boise State University annual “Day of Greatness” march and rally themed “The Fierce Urgency of NOW” is Monday, Jan. 18. The public is invited to join at the Jordan Ballroom in the SUB at 9:30 a.m. to make posters for the march beginning at 10:30 a.m. Guest speakers include ASBSU student body President (Brian Garretson), the MLK Living Legacy Committee Chair (Milaun Danclair) and Staff Advisor (Francisco Salinas).
Following the march, an event at the Capitol Building Rotunda at noon will feature Boise State University Trumpeteers, The Boise Gay Men’s Chorus and the Boise Rock School with Dr. Mamie Oliver as the MC, and Keith Anderson from Boise State University as the keynote speaker.
On Monday, Jan. 25 the MLK Living Legacy Committee will host a discussion panel honoring King with keynote speakers including Idaho State Sen. Cherie Buckner Webb (District 19).
The Treasure Valley NAACP Martin Luther King, Jr. annual commemorative dinner will take place on Saturday, Jan. 16 at the Red Lion Hotel in downtown Boise. This event will feature a cocktail hour, keynote address by special guest Eric Love, Director of Staff Diversity & Inclusion at the University of Notre Dame as well as a guest panel discussion “Is Dr. King’s Dream Still a Reality?”
Southeast Idaho
A Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. march and program will take place Monday, Jan. 18, at Idaho State University. The theme of this year’s march, sponsored by the Diversity Resource Center, is “Reigniting the Dream.”
North Central Idaho
University of Idaho will host an MLK Day of Service on Saturday, Jan. 23. Students and the public are encouraged to sign up for volunteer opportunities throughout the community.
Additionally, an MLK annual human rights breakfast will take place Saturday, Jan. 16.
Lewis-Clark State College is hosting a Martin Luther King Jr. – Idaho Human Rights Day celebration on Monday, Jan. 18. The event will include refreshments, music, a candlelit walk to the Center for Arts and History and opportunities to volunteer at 10 local agencies.
Northern Idaho
North Idaho College’s children’s program honoring the work of King will take place on Thursday, Jan. 14.
The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Annual Gala will take place on Saturday, Jan 16. This event is held each year to celebrate the life and birthday of King.
Central Idaho
The Community Food Basket along with volunteers from the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership will hold a book drive in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. – Idaho Human Rights Day. This event, Food for the Body and Mind, will provide books to elementary age children. Food donations will also be accepted at the event which will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Community Food Basket, 245 N. Placer, Idaho Falls. Contact Helen Stanton at (208) 522-5370 ext. 1028 for more information or to volunteer.
Learn more about more volunteer opportunities at Serve Idaho.
— Idaho Department of Labor