In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., University of Alabama at Birmingham students celebrated his life and legacy on Monday, Jan. 16 by participating in various acts of service throughout Birmingham.
“Yesterday, Blazers united to honor Dr. King and his vision for a beloved community, while acting out institutional commitment to community engagement,” said Lauren Cotant, UAB’s associate director of Student Involvement and Leadership.
“Together, more than 300 hours of service were donated to Birmingham resulting in a $9,500 economic impact. I’m so proud of the students that led this event, and we’re looking forward to hosting another day-of-service at Into the Streets on March 25 [2023].” Sponsored by the Leadership and Service Council, MLK's Beloved Community honors the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hosted on Dr. King’s birthday, a federally celebrated holiday and day of service, this event provides an opportunity for UAB students to join forces with Birmingham citizens to empower and strengthen our community, moving us closer to Dr. King’s global vision of a “Beloved Community.”
“Some of the biggest takeaways from LSC’s (Leadership and Service Council) MLK’s Beloved Community service event comes from the fact that you can serve everywhere whether we realize that or not. Furthermore, volunteering enables you to develop new skills while discovering new interests, as well as gain insight into yourself and the community in which you live,” said Kamya Patel, LSC’s executive director.
“Not only were UAB students able to make an impact yesterday, but members of the Birmingham community also came out and were eager to make a difference on this memorable day through acts of service. Yesterday's service event has encouraged me to stay involved in the Birmingham community by volunteering and using my skills to help people in need.”
136 Blazers volunteers (students, faculty, and staff) served at nine different service sites: Lovelady Center, Lovelady Thrift Store, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Live HealthSmart Alabama, Grace Klein Community Warehouse/Office, Grace Klein Community – Eagles’ Nest Community Home, Grace Klein Community – House Project, Clean-up Day at Railroad Park, and Black Warrior River Project. Click here for other related events.
