Monday marks the annual commemoration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a leader who dedicated his life to non-violent resistance and equality for African Americans and other vulnerable communities. As a minister, social activist, and civil rights luminary, he gave voice to the voiceless and shined a light on pressing issues we continue to address today.

Dr. King’s Beloved Community is a place where individuals are honored, loved and celebrated not in spite of their differences, but because of them. He envisioned this community to be one where all are afforded dignity, respect and the opportunity to realize their full potential. This vision aligns with our the values that we prioritize here at WVOC: generosity, inclusion, curiosity, and service to our community.

Along with his other defining passions, Dr. King was deeply committed to education. In an op-ed he authored as a student at Morehouse College in 1947, he stated that "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically… [education] gives one not only the power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate.”

Because of this, Dr. King's birthday is celebrated as a Day of Service. WVOC community members are encouraged to find personally meaningful ways to celebrate and express the spirit of this day.