“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,” said Martin Luther King Jr., a man who is now honored as one of the most prominent civil rights leaders of the 20th century. Almost 50 years after the evening of Apr. 4, 1968, when the activist was brutally assassinated while organizing peaceful protests against racial and social injustice, the nation continues to admire and carry on his work.

Grand Valley State University’s MLK Jr. Day of Service and Solidarity will be held Saturday, Jan. 21 in the Cook-Dewitt Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In support of social change, students are encouraged to give back to their community and commemorate King’s dream.

“I think it is important for students to remember the legacy MLK left behind,” said Rachael Zaborowski, graduate assistant for the Community Service Learning Center (CSLC).

The day will start off with an opening presentation by Breannah Alexander, director of strategic programs at Partners for a Racism-Free Community. Afterward, service projects with numerous local organizations will take place within the Grand Rapids area.

“Our community partners are fantastic,” Zaborowski said. “They are allowing students to come in, provide service and get the whole experience.”

GVSU’s MLK Jr. Day of Service and Solidarity is part of a nationwide service day. According to CSLC’s website, the goal of the program is to educate the GVSU community about the Civil Rights Movement and to encourage participants to get involved in their communities.

The event will be a collaboration between CSLC and the MLK Week Executive Planning Committee. Throughout the year, CSLC hosts numerous community engagement opportunities related to social and political issues, such as the upcoming funding and higher education and food justice programs.

Although King’s life was taken, his dream remained. Universities across the nation take this time of remembrance to inspire others with his cause.

“Fighting against social injustices is still important today,” Zaborowski said. “Students can have an impact, specifically while working together within their community.”