This year Every Child Is Ours and Jackson County Public Schools worked together to use the ideals of the holiday to serve the community and the people. “Every Child Is Ours and the JCSD work together for the communities and the wonderful school system. The buses, driven by the principals, accompanied by students delivered chili, soup, and sandwiches to the elderly and homebound. The elementary students made cookies to take to our nursing homes, as well as decorated the bags for the chili and soup.” The organizations was joined by partners, Arkansas State University Football players (Kirk Louis of Baton Rouge, TJ Harris of Tulsa, Trent Ellis of Mobile, and Justin Clifton of Tupelo) and ASU Student Government leaders (Drew Roberson of Jonesboro, Rachel Benson of Marion, Erika Tuck of Jonesboro, Jenny Tuck of Sikeston, Claire Rowland of Paragould, and Landon Crancer of Rector).
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King's birthday, January 15. The holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act passed by Congress as law on June 28th, 1968. The holiday celebrates the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader. He is most well-known for his campaigns to end racial segregation on public transport and for racial equality in the United States.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. On this holiday, Americans commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit.
The group spent time visiting elementary classrooms visiting with the students, stressing the importance of education and hard work. The Arkansas State Football players were quick to step up to share and visit with the students. The student’s leaders were engaging, fun-loving and communicated well with the young students as well as the nursing home residents.
Hope for America was a constant theme in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He believed in this country. As these organizations work together to serve on a day when so many Americans view it as a “day off” shows strength of character and his lasting prayer, hope. A special thank you to Jan Pascal for sharing the experience. The world seems brighter when people are serving others.