On the third Monday of every January, our nation celebrates the birthday of civil rights leader and activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King's legacy is critical to the freedom of many Americans. His leadership and commitment to equality brought national attention to racism and civil rights abuses through multiple nonviolent movements in the late 1950s and '60s.
Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, Dr. King's actions helped pass the Civil Rights Act, which ended the legal separation of people by race and banned job discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin. Dr. King was also largely responsible for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, protecting African Americans' right to vote.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River Division is honoring the legacy of this historic icon by offering its workforce opportunities to listen, learn, and act.
With coordination from the Equal Employment Opportunity Manager, Tracy Baker, employees at LRD were presented with the “Dr. Martin Lither King Jr. Month Challenge”.
The challenge is part of LRD’s inclusion of the larger national theme, “A Day On, Not a Day Off”, calling upon the nation to engage in public service and promote peaceful social change. Throughout the month of January, the challenge offers LRD employees the opportunity to contribute acts of community service, spread ideas about social change, lead discussions about MLK Jr’s legacy, and donate to local organizations and charities.
The EEO office has put together a list of over 15 local charities near the LRD headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, including soup kitchens, foodbanks, animal shelters, and many other community service programs such as the Ronald McDonald House and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Employees are also encouraged to donate in whatever way possible, including donating time, canned goods, and clothing.
In addition to acts of service and donations, the EEO office is also establishing a book club to discuss works written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as an opportunity for employees to learn about his teachings and legacy. The books include “A Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story” and “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community.”