Delaware County’s 2nd Annual MLK Day of Service to be held on Jan. 15
Released: January 8, 2024
Delaware County’s second Annual MLK Day of Service to be held on Jan. 15
Delaware County is proud to partner with Widener University, the Philadelphia Union, the Downtown Cultural Arts and Technology Center, and America250PADelco to host the 2nd Annual Delaware County MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 15, 2024, in celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Built upon the foundation of Dr. King's enduring principles of equality, social justice, and compassion, the Day of Service will include a variety of events created to inspire and engage the community. Emphasizing volunteerism and unity, each activity is designed to honor Dr. King's legacy by addressing current social issues, fostering inclusivity, and promoting a culture of peace and understanding.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues with community members and elected leaders, contribute to community improvement efforts, and reinforce the ongoing relevance of Dr. King's vision in today's world.
Activities include a breakfast and dedication at Widener University, a Peace March from Widener University to Chester City Hall, a cleanup on Avenue of the States, and other community building activities that aim to foster unity, sense of purpose, and shared responsibility among residents.
Delaware County residents are invited to join the local tribute to a historic and inspiring legend and the opportunity to actively shape the landscape of the community in the spirit of Dr. King.
MLK Day of Service Schedule: Monday, January 15, 2024
Breakfast and Opening Ceremony: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Widener University’s Lathem Hall, 13th and Potter St., Chester, PA
Peace March: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Widener University to Avenue of the States to Chester City Hall
Acts of Service - Community Beautification: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Downtown Area of Chester and Memorial Park, 2401 W. 9th St., Chester. Clean-up groups will be assigned areas of the park and surrounding streets.
Lunch and Community Building Activities: 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Downtown CAAT Center, 515 Avenue of the States, Chester, PA. After the cleanup, volunteers are invited to the CAAT Center to share lunch and paint collaborative community art pieces.
Poetry for Peace: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Downtown CAAT Center, 515 Avenue of the States, Chester, PA
Residents are invited to register at DelcoPA.Gov/MLK. Registration is not required but highly encouraged to help organizers and volunteers appropriately prepare. When registering, please select the events you plan to attend.
In the spirit of Dr. King, the event organizers are collecting items to fill warming kits that will be distributed to those in need, through City Team and Breaking Bread Community Shelter.
Residents can purchase items to fill the warming kits here: DelcoPA.Gov/WarmingKits
More About Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Established in 1983 as a federal holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day recognizes the pivotal role Dr. King played in advancing civil rights, promoting equality, and advocating for justice for all Americans. This day not only commemorates his January 15 birthday but also honors his legacy through acts of service and reflection on the principles he championed. It also serves as a call to action. The MLK Day of Service, initiated by Congress in 1994, transforms the holiday into a day of volunteer service in honor of Dr. King. It underscores his belief that 'Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.'
This day invites individuals and communities across the United States to volunteer in ways that bridge divides, create solutions to social problems, and move closer to Dr. King's vision of a community united for the greater good.
