On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, Up2Us Sports staff, VISTAs and coaches across the country participated in AmeriCorps’ MLK Day of Service. In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service in recognition of Dr. King’s incredible legacy of service to all. Fittingly, they charged AmeriCorps with leading this effort. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a “day on, not a day off.”
The Up2Us Coach and VISTA programs are funded by AmeriCorps, so it was only fitting that our terrific service members took this day of service and dedicated it to Dr. King’s honor.
NATIONALLY
Nationally, the Up2Us VISTA team hosted a special virtual event with the theme of “United We Serve to Be Vocal, to Inspire, to Meet a Need.” The event included opening remarks from Up2Us Sports Ambassador and NBA free agent, John Henson.
Henson shared how important Martin Luther King Jr was to him and how his legacy helped paved the way for his own successful NBA career. He charged the group with this: “As his legacy agents, we must not forget to keep pushing his ideals and his dreams he fought so hard for and ultimately gave his life for.”
Up2Us Sports VISTAs nationwide and coaches from our Southern U.S., Northeast and Pacific Northwest regions joined to listen, participate and be inspired.
Watch the recording on our YouTube Channel here.
Up2Us Sports’ Ambassador John Henson gives opening remarks at our 2023 MLK Day of Service Virtual Event.
NEW ORLEANS
In New Orleans, our staff and coaches assembled and distributed hygiene bags to the community and in collaboration with The Level Up Campaign, distributed nearly 100 hot meals.
NEW YORK CITY
In New York City, coaches and staff worked alongside Repair the World Harlem to help mulch tree pits in Riverside Park.
LOS ANGELES
In Los Angeles, the original service project was postponed from Monday, January 16th until Friday, January 20th due to inclement weather. Staff and coaches will be assisting site beautification efforts at Our Savior Center in El Monte, CA. The site was founded in 1985 as a fledgling food bank inside a rented storefront, providing sustenance to El Monte’s most vulnerable families.
To learn more about MLK Service Day, click here.
