EVERETT—YMCA of Snohomish County will honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by hosting its 3rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspirational Weekend on January 12-15, 2024.
The weekend kicks off with an inspirational breakfast on January 12 from 7 – 9 am at the Angel of the Winds Arena (1028 13th St., Everett, WA 98201) and culminates with a Day of Service on Monday, January 15 from 9 am – 1 pm.
“The Y is compelled to honor Dr. King’s legacy because his teachings inspire our commitment to foster equality and provide opportunities for all in our community,” said Peyton Tune, President and CEO, YMCA of Snohomish County. “Our mission and work are made better every time we reflect on the enduring impact of King’s teachings and legacy.”
The Y has a meaningful connection to Dr. King. Before he was a civil rights champion and humanitarian, before he delivered his universally-acclaimed “I Have a Dream” speech at the 1963 March on Washington, and before he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, King was a young child who found a second home at the Y. As a boy, he learned to swim at the historic Butler Street YMCA in his hometown of Atlanta, GA.
“This unique connection to Dr. King inspires us to live out his values in our daily work,” said Tune. “We look forward to honoring his legacy and then getting out in the community to serve our neighbors.”
Community members are invited to attend the Inspirational Breakfast on Friday morning. Bestselling author and communication expert, Eric M. Bailey, will give a keynote address about how to combat the divisiveness in our society by welcoming all into a conversation, followed by a dialogue about how to move forward and positively impact our local community.
On Monday, January 15, YMCAs throughout Snohomish County will host “Make It A Day ON, Not A Day OFF” community service projects honoring Dr. King’s servant leadership spirit. The Y will mobilize hundreds of volunteers who will give back to their local community through various service projects, including tree planting in Monroe, food bank support in Mill Creek and Mukilteo, and assembling care packages for seniors in Marysville.
“The highlight of the weekend is our Day of Service when we get the opportunity to live out Dr. King’s legacy,” said Tune. “By gathering together to serve, we are truly answering his question, ‘what are you doing for others?’ in a real, tangible way. This is about serving our neighbors.”
For more information about breakfast registration or Day of Service volunteering, please visit ymca-snoco.org/mlk.
Author: Mario Lotmore
