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January 19, 2024
This past Monday, the United States recognized Martin Luther King Jr. Day which annually celebrates, commemorates and honors the life, legacy and impact of civil rights visionary Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service — a “day on, not a day off” — to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.
On the day, the “Realizing the Dream” initiative was announced as a collaboration between the Martin Luther King III Foundation and Legacy+, with a five-year commitment of support from the NFL through its Inspire Change social justice initiative.
NFL Inspire Change is aimed at reducing barriers to opportunity, particularly in communities of color, and showcasing how the NFL family is working together to create positive change. It engages all levels of the league including current and former players, NFL teams and ownership and throughout the league office.
Realizing the Dream’s goal is to unify and uplift America through service. It has a bold ambition to rally communities to perform 100 million hours of service by the 100th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth in 2029. The movement calls for everyone to reach out to people and causes in need, and to “make a difference through acts of love, compassion and goodwill.” The multi-year initiative will also work with corporate partners to support employee engagement through volunteer opportunities.
“The NFL’s partnership with Realizing the Dream aligns with our dedication to serving communities, the values that underpin our Inspire Change efforts and our desire to further Dr. King’s legacy,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility. “As we build upon an existing movement, we’re excited to answer Realizing the Dream’s call to action through facilitating and celebrating acts of service and social change around the country.”
Martin Luther King III is the oldest son of the late Dr. King and Coretta Scott King. Working with his wife, Arndrea Waters King, and their daughter Yolanda Renee King, the Foundation is dedicated to building up to a new culture of compassion, trust, dignity, acceptance and love through ideas, words and insights. Its values encompass justice, equity and peace.
“Volunteering and service to others is not just about helping those in need; it’s also about building bridges and fostering understanding between people. It’s an opportunity to step outside our comfort zones and connect with others on a deeper, more meaningful level,” the trio stated about the “100 for 100” movement.
Legacy+ is a foundry of strategists, designers, creators, storytellers and innovators that brings purpose to life for companies, foundations and individuals by building real movements and legacy projects with life-changing impacts for people and communities around the world. They partner with globally renowned thought leaders, activists, CEOs, entertainers, athletes, celebrities and more to inspire millions of youths, educators, companies, and communities to give back through service.
Realizing the Dream’s digital volunteer hub, powered by Points of Light, provides opportunities for people to find and share ways to do good in their communities. It is searchable by key area of interest, geography or both.
Education+, a free learning platform designed to support educators to deliver service-learning resources and professional development for educators looking to empower their students, is also part of the project.
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