This post is the latest in a series from GOJO team members and partners discussing how cultural experiences shape each of us and our communities. These stories are an important part of how we gain new perspectives, learn from others, and ensure GOJO is a place where everyone can bring their full authentic selves to the pursuit of our Purpose.
By Jaylin Z. McDonald, Supply Chain Solutions Analyst
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday recognized by many institutions, including GOJO. It is a day of remembering, reflecting upon, and honoring the miraculous efforts of the minister, influential civil rights activist, and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1994, the U.S. Congress designated the third Monday of January as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - a time that we celebrate, commemorate, and honor the life, legacy, and impact of Dr. King.
Across the nation, people honor Dr. King, who was a spokesperson for nonviolent activism, who marched against racial inequality and desegregation and for voting and other civil rights. While there have been many great civil rights improvements in these areas since the assassination of Dr. King in 1968, there is still more work to do to better our communities.
Within Team GOJO and with the support of the GOJO Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Team, we recognize our critical role in creating awareness of important days like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and other important civil rights and social movements that create a world where Team GOJO is powered by abundant diversity and all of us can bring our full, authentic selves to the pursuit of our GOJO Purpose.
This year, I’ll be celebrating and honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day by taking in different forms of learning material and art. I plan to share and discuss these materials with my family members as well as interested colleagues to talk about our different perspectives about what we learn from the past and how we can move forward in the future. I encourage you to get involved
Here are a few resources to help you get started. I encourage you to find relevant activities near you.
Information & Education
Akron-Area Activities
- Things to Do in the Greater Akron Area
- Akron Art Museum: Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with free public hours at the Museum. Related photographs from the collection will be available for viewing on this day in the lobby. Free and open to all.
- Akron Zoo: Visit the zoo and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Stop by Komodo Kingdom to enjoy crafts and activities provided by NAACP. Admission is free for all guests. Parking rates apply.
- Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, legacy, and message of hope: The University of Akron will host Dr. Kito D. March, Sr., Pastor, Second Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, as he delivers “Remaining focused at critical times” in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, legacy, and message of hope. The event is sponsored by the Office of Inclusion and Equity and the Office of Multicultural Development.
- Annual Akron Urban League MLK Breakfast: A gathering in fellowship to celebrate Dr. King’s historic call to action for civil and economic rights and hear the inspiring story of featured speaker Dr. Michael Forbes, Akron Children’s Hospital’s chief academic officer, as he shares his childhood dream that became a reality. Live music to be performed by Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Ensemble and The LeGrair Brothers: Durrell, Emmanuel, and Jaron.
Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Activities
Be sure to check out perspectives from Team GOJO members of what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day means to them below!