As Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches, generally students are influenced to relax; however, some students are inclined to participate in MLK-geared events and service projects.
Mardea George, junior in nursing and minor in political science, plans to sleep in Monday morning and then attend an event in the afternoon. She believes that whether or not one attends an event, the significance of recognizing the holiday is still important to college students.
“To me, the holiday was always an important holiday,” George said. “It seems like an extra break just for you to relax and perhaps reflect on things, but MLK is a special day because it’s an appreciation day. It’s an appreciation, not just for African-Americans, but for all races and ethnicities. Some people celebrate it differently.”
Service opportunities are available for students to take advantage of. The UT TeamVOLS community service and outreach organization is currently taking registration for individuals and groups interested in an MLK Day community service retreat on Jan. 21, giving students an opportunity to relax this weekend and serve the next.
The event buses students to various locations to perform services, such as recycling or volunteering at an elementary school. However, the location is kept secret until students arrive there. About 400 students participated in last year’s event, according to TeamVOLS chair Lauren Lee.
“I think it’s a fun activity to do because you can sign up with other organization members,” Lee, senior in Spanish and studio arts, said. “It’s a way to meet people. I would like to have more volunteers come and have them go away with something that’s more meaningful and impactful.”
Lee believes that community service has a strong impact on Martin Luther King Jr. Day as service creates an understanding of different people’s needs.
“It’s important to volunteer, especially in the name of civil rights, because it’s hard to put yourself in someone’s shoes,” Lee said. “It’s important to be aware.”
Carlos Jackson, senior in psychology, participated in the service project last year. He plans to attend a march this holiday.
“I wanted to celebrate what Martin Luther King’s Day was all about, which is looking at our past and embracing it and embracing our future as well,” Jackson said. “Without looking at our past and seeing what people did to pave the way for us, we wouldn’t be able to appreciate our present and our future.”
Jackson feels that the decision for college students to participate in an activity or stay in on MLK Day is divided evenly. Regardless of a heavy course load, Jackson said college students should be motivated to attend an event.
“In addition to them (college students) getting their degree, it’s about getting involved in the campus and knowing what’s going on,” Jackson said.
Janielle Pratcher, junior in nursing, plans to spend her MLK Day resting after a demanding first week of classes, though still recognizes the significance of the holiday.
“Last year I slept in,” Pratcher said. “It’s a day off. I think everybody is more inclined to take it as a holiday.”
