Hundreds of Chattanoogans will be putting service into action for the 2017 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, commemorating the great civil rights leader. For Chattanooga’s fourth year of “A Day On, Not a Day Off,” the Office of Multicultural Affairs will mobilize local citizens, schools, neighborhoods, businesses, and organizations to help complete service projects around the city and advance Dr. King’s dream of opportunity for all.
There will be volunteer activities across the city, and East Chattanooga will be the focal neighborhood for this year’s service projects.
“Dr. King encouraged all citizens to work together to make the world a better place and believed that we all can and should reach our potential,” said James McKissic, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. “It’s important now, more than ever, that we start the new year on a positive note, by giving back to our Chattanooga neighborhoods - and share Dr. King’s legacy with our youth so that they may develop a habit of helping others.”
This MLK Day on Monday, Jan. 16, volunteers will gather on historic Glass Street and fan out into the neighborhoods of East Chattanooga, in addition to other service projects throughout the city, to undertake landscaping, clearing debris, trail maintenance, painting, and deep cleaning. Volunteers will also help make improvements at four Youth & Family Development Centers - East Chattanooga, Eastdale, Brainerd, and Carver - which increase quality of life for families through education, recreation, social services, leadership, and career development.
The day of service includes not only beautification projects but also education and outreach. This year, volunteers will be making rounds at various apartments across Chattanooga to equip residents with info on their rights under fair housing law.
“King advocated for equality for all in every aspect of life, and that includes the right of everyone to safe and equal housing,” said Mr. McKissic. “Focusing our efforts on both service and education this MLK Day is a great way to honor Dr. King’s message.”
The 1968 Fair Housing Act protects citizens from discrimination when they are renting, buying, looking for a house or acquiring a mortgage. It became law shortly after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and family status. On MLK Day in Chattanooga, volunteers will canvass neighborhoods to educate residents on their right to fair housing.
MLK DAY SCHEDULE
Volunteer Check In - 8:30 - 9 a.m.
Service Projects Begin - 9 a.m.
Kickoff Location: Glass House Collective (Glass Street and N. Chamberlain Avenue)
REGISTRATION:
Online registration will close on Wed., Jan. 11, at 5 p.m. However, volunteers who have not registered by the deadline are welcome to register the day of at the kick-off location. Volunteers who register by the Jan. 11 deadline will receive a T-shirt. Register at http://bit.ly/MLKDayCHA2017.
Projects will last until 12:30 p.m. or earlier as tasks are completed.
For more information visit http://bit.ly/MLKDayCHA2017.