You may often wonder as I do every year around this time what am I supposed to do to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King on his birthday.  Well this year marks 40 years since his assassination. So it becomes increasingly more important that we do our best to keep his dream alive so generations to come never forget his struggle for change.

King philosophies centered around two themes, his service, and the movement that he championed—the principles of non-violence for change.   He believed that applying the principles of nonviolence in all areas of one’s life would ultimately bring about a change that would realize his dream where our differences are resolved peaceably and reconciliation occurs among adversaries.

Naturally, we are far away from that dream.  So several organizations have partnered together to create the  “40 Days of Nonviolence: Building the Beloved Community” initiative.

On the King Holiday and during the 40 days that follow, individuals and organizations participating in the initiative would:

• Study, discuss, and reflect upon the principles of nonviolent action as a strategy for bringing about stronger communities
• Examine the structures in their communities that lead to violence and engage in projects that address those underlying issues
• Plan for 40 days beginning with the King Holiday and implement sustainable service activities to extend throughout the year and beyond.

These elements reflect the fundamental steps in Dr. King’s dream for nonviolent social change.  So if you’re serious about learning from this great man that meant to much in our lives both realized and subconscious…try and do your part.  For the next 40 days try to live as much like he did.  If we all do a little we can change alot.  For more information about this program visit MLKDay.gov.  Paz!