Every year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Miami-Dade County honors Dr. King’s legacy with service that he would be proud of. Dr. King once said that “everybody can be great, because everybody can serve,” and that is shown in Miami when people gather on this holiday to volunteer at parks, schools, food banks, and community centers to help others. 

The yearly service opportunity, usually organized in partnership honors Dr.King because he believed in helping others, and that’s what these service opportunities intend to do. 

For many people, the day is very personal and important.

“I grew up hearing about Dr. King in school, but this year I volunteered and felt more connected than ever. Also, I got to help people so it made me even happier” said junior Zoe Pazos who volunteered at a home for the elderly.

Junior Julia Alemany, who volunteered at a food distribution site said she finally understood the message of the holiday, instead of just doing nothing all day.

“This isnt just a random day off of school,” Julia said. “It’s about helping others in your community the way Dr. King did for the country.” 

While others see the day as a chance to set an example for others.

“I took my little cousin with me to volunteer at a environmental cleanup so I can show him what it means to help others and how to be like Dr. King,” said junior Raffaella Mandis. “This is how I keep Dr. King’s dream alive and set an example to the youth.”

By connecting Dr. King’s legacy to service for others, Miami-Dade’s annual MLK Day opportunities remind people that the fight for equity can be helped by any. In places where help is needed at all times, this day of service could become a starting point. This shows that remembering history can also be used to build a better future.