'A man of service': Local organizations honor MLK Jr. by helping others

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Several local organizations found new ways to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 18 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the Lovell Johnson Quality of Life Center, there was free COVID-19 testing and boxes of food were handed out to those in need.

“It’s important because Dr. Martin Luther King, he was a man of service,” Executive director Lorraine Lathen said. “This is a good way to honor him.”

The Quality of Life Center expected at least 300 people to stop by.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is designated as a National Day of Service to encourage Americans to volunteer to help improve their communities in honor of King Jr.

“We are honoring and trying to protect his legacy,” Lathen said. “It’s very timely, when you look at all of the issues that we’re dealing with in our nation and our community.”

Earlier in the day, the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee held a virtual event.

“Martin Luther King wanted us to hold hands, not point them at each other,” Rufus King High School 12th grader Matthew Drew said.

The online event featured students, speakers and organizations dedicated to serving others.

“Celebrate the national holiday that honors his legacy and encourages all for a call to action with an ultimate goal of transforming communities,” YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee President & CEO Carrie Wall said.

The Quality of Life Center plans on holding similar events in the future.