CELEBRATING MLK DAY

| Observance Toolkit



CELEBRATING MLK DAY

| Educational Toolkit


Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Utah! May we remember that the third Monday in January isn't simply a day off, but "a day on" to get engaged and give back to our communities and the causes that matter to each of us.

"A Day On, Not a Day Off"



Utah’s Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission is pleased to present an online platform to help Utahns across the state to learn and reflect upon Dr. King’s legacy of building the "beloved community" in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is celebrated on the third Monday in January.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap About Dr. King.

According to a January 2022 survey conducted by Brainly, of more than 1,700 U.S. students, 63 percent did not know of Dr. King’s contributions to ending racial segregation during the American civil rights movement. A vital part of the Commission’s purpose and vision is to bring Dr. King’s legacy and message of nonviolent social action to all citizens of Utah. This is only possible through partnerships between public, private, and community organizations to provide programs, resources and support to carry out Dr. King’s dream of service and engagement. 

Need ideas on how to celebrate MLK Day? Download the Online Toolkit below and review the resources on this page!

> We would love to hear about your experience using this toolkit. Send us an email: [email protected]


Download the Online Toolkit

2023 MLK Student Art & Essay Competition Summary



7th-9th grade students summited their artwork or a descriptive essay centered on one of Dr. King's six principles of nonviolence for a chance to be recognized on a statewide level. They were honored at the capital by the Gov. and First Lady Cox and the commission. 
 
CCE Blog Post

2023 MLK Message: Gov. Spencer J. Cox & First Lady Abby Cox



Practice Nonviolence Everyday


  • Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people

    It is not a method for cowards; it does resist. It is active nonviolent resistance to evil. It is aggressive spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

  • Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding.

    The outcome of nonviolence is the creation of the Beloved Community. The end result of nonviolence is redemption and reconciliation,

  • Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice, not people.

    Nonviolence recognizes that evildoers are also victims and are not evil people. The nonviolent resister seeks to defeat evil not persons victimized by evil.

  • Nonviolence holds that suffering can educate and transform.

    Nonviolence is a willingness to accept suffering without retaliation; to accept blows without striking back. Nonviolence is a willingness to accept violence if necessary but never inflict it. Nonviolence holds that unearned suffering for a cause is redemptive and has tremendous educational and transforming possibilities.

  • Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate.

    Nonviolence resists violence of the spirit as well as the body. Nonviolent love is spontaneous, unselfish, and creative.

  • Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice.

    The nonviolent resister has deep faith that justice will eventually win. Nonviolence believes that God is a God of justice.


"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 


2023 MLK Day Events



Submit An Event

Get Your Many Stories, One Utah Plate — Inspired by MLK's Legacy



Order the Utah Martin Luther King Jr. license plate now available at a DMV near you. Utah’s work toward an MLK-themed license plate dates back to 2012 and thanks to coordination from the Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission this plate recognizes Dr. Martin Luther King’s work and life. All you need to get started is your current license plate number and the last four digits of your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

Get Your Plate Today

Resources



LEARN

ASK

  • What are important things to consider in building a relationship with someone you disagree with?
  • What could you do in the coming week to practice one of the principles of nonviolence?
  • What changes would you like to see in your community? What are you doing to advance them?
  • What compels you to engage in experiences (persons, places, things, ideas) that may present as discomforting, frightening, or disruptive to your worldview?
  • When is a time you have applied one of the principles of nonviolence in your life?
  • What significance does Dr. King’s work have in your life today?

EXPLORE


  • List five traits you admire about a person or group with whom you disagree
  • Record yourself talking about a time you have shown courage in the face of adversity and share on social media
  • Invite someone (friend, co-worker, etc.) to attend an MLK event with you
  • Share your experience using this toolkit with [email protected]

DO

Get Your Many Stories, One Utah Plate - Inspired by MLK's Legacy



Order the Utah Martin Luther King Jr. License plate now available at a DMV near you. Utah’s work toward an MLK-themed license plate dates back to 2012, and thanks to coordination from the Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission and legislative partners, this plate recognizes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work and life.


Get Your Plate Today


Join Us in Helping Create Dr. King's Vision of the "Beloved Community"


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