Submitted by dsong on
Jan 20, 2023 AmeriCorps Staff

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Americans stepped up during the 2023 MLK Day of Service to build bridges and heal divides across the nation. 

Thousands of Americans joined service projects to help create the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dreams. Volunteers united in Dr. King’s legacy by assembling care packages for community members impacted by natural disasters, revamping schools, joining local park cleanups, and helping those who are food insecure.  

Check out some of the MLK Day service projects from across the nation: 

Alabamians Clean Up Birmingham 

AmeriCorps members with Black Warrior Riverkeeper teamed up with Birmingham City Councilor Clinton Woods and local volunteers to clean up the Alabama city. More than 90 volunteers gathered to clear over one ton of litter.

The Golden State Gives Back to the Environment 

Volunteers gathered in Southern California to participate in L.A. Works and Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum’s MLK Day of Service—the largest volunteer event in the county. They helped create urban greening kits for school programs and youth centers, hosted a panel discussion on environmental stewardship, assembled disaster preparedness kits for underserved communities, and more.

Older Adults Lead by Example 

AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers and students in Albuquerque, N.M. shared their gratitude for community members this MLK Day of Service. Together, they wrote cards and painted their gratitude on rocks for veterans, teachers, and fellow older adults in the community.

Young Adults in North Carolina Paint the Town 

Members of Habitat for Humanity, Greensboro joined forces with volunteers to revamp the city. More than 300 volunteers served on construction projects, like repainting and building fences, and cleanups to help beautify the community.

Vice President Joins AmeriCorps CEO for MLK Day of Service Project 

And in Washington, DC, there was no shortage of service. Vice President Kamala volunteered with AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith and US Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona at George Washington University for the campus’ annual service event that draws hundreds of students, staff, and faculty. Led by GW Serves JumpStart, the administration leaders and campus volunteers created activities for children to learn numbers and recognize colors.

Americans like these volunteers put Dr. King’s words, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that,” into action. 

Over the past week, that love could be felt across the nation as Americans united in their communities to serve and heal divides. Through volunteerism, we showed up in full force for our neighbors to deliver on the promise of Dr. King’s example.  

This year was a defining moment, and AmeriCorps encourages you to keep the momentum going. Engage your community. Find volunteer opportunities to take constructive action and carry Dr. King’s mission throughout the rest of the year. Learn more about the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service at AmeriCorps.gov/MLKDay.