Some 36 years after his assassination, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is still inspiring the best in people.
On Monday, the federal holiday designated in his honor, thousands of residents — young and old, black and white, Republicans and Democrats — joined together to salute King’s memory with acts of service.
Despite having a day off from classes, students gathered early at Thomas Middle School, Ninth and Johnston streets, to kick off the City Year Youth Corps service-learning program.
The Corps includes the Young Heroes program, a Saturday activity for middle and high-school students that aims to teach youths the power of civic involvement. After attending the Youth Corps opening ceremony Monday, 180 youths participated in painting a King-themed mural, repainting Thomas’ gym and reorganizing the school library.
Volunteers also made a day of it at Finnegan Playground, 30th and Oakford streets, where residents joined Donald Finnegan’s family members in an hourlong cleanup session that left the park looking virtually spotless in the chilly January sun.
In addition, the Free Library of Philadelphia dedicated a book corner in Finnegan’s memory at the playground. Residents hope the space will be a safe and comfortable environment for the children of Grays Ferry to experience the joy of reading.
Rounding out the day’s local memorial activities was a prayer and reflection service held at St. Agnes Medical Center, Broad and McKean streets.
Against the backdrop of a King shrine, multiethnic and religious prayers were said in the name of peace, offering residents a chance to stop and recall the civil-rights leader’s memory while dreaming of what could be.
