| "The time is always right to do what is right." These words, spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965, were not only the theme of this year's Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Observances on Jan. 15, but the demonstrated spirit of the youth involved. Hundreds of young people braved the blistery cold and snow on Martin Luther King Day to send the message that they will fight for what is right no matter what the weather. Led by African drummer Rockameem and armed with signs calling for less school violence, better education and justice, youth marched to the capitol in a show of solidarity meant to mimic the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement. Although the youth service day is in its 9th year, this is the first year that youth have taken to streets to voice their concerns. MLK Youth Service Day coordinator Michael Swerdloff introduced the march as a way to connect today's youth with the "soul" of the Civil Rights Movement. "We have done a great job in the past with the service opportunities, the workshops, and highlighting our youth, but we have missed the soul of Martin Luther King," Swerdloff said. "It is really hard for kids of this generation to understand what the '60s were like. This [march] is a hands-on version of what it was like." While the march was created as a way to connect with the organizing spirit of the Civil Rights Movement, it was also a way for youth to show a side of themselves which is often overlooked by the mainstream media. "They want an opportunity to show another face of what kids of color are like in this community," Swerdloff said. "They want their voices heard." The march was just one of many events that youth participated in at the 9th Annual Achieving Greatness Through Service Day at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in downtown Madison. The event brought together middle school and high school students who were asked to reflect on the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and dedicate themselves to yet another year of community service in his name. The day-long event featured youth-led educational sessions, community volunteer projects, the presentation of the President's Volunteer Service Awards, and a keynote speech by Jack Holliday. Holliday, who also spoke at the Martin Luther King Jr. 22nd Annual City-County Observance, has been lauded for his work to eliminate gang violence and he is a frequent lecturer on the subject. He most recently worked as the Assistant to the Deputy Superintendent of Schools in Dougherty County, Georgia where he was responsible for student, parent, and community support programs. Prior to that, he worked for the State of Georgia in Corrections and Parole where his latest position was as Assistant Director of Parole for Community Based Programs and Services. He currently works with Georgia school districts as a consultant on School Based Gangs and Violence Prevention. The event also featured the presentation of the President's Volunteer Service Awards to youth who performed 100 or more hours of community service this past year. The Presidential Service Awards were established to honor outstanding individuals and groups who engage in voluntary community service projects which address unmet human service, educational, environmental, and public service needs. Forty-six individuals and 14 groups were honored for volunteering their time at meals on wheels, food pantries, day camps, schools, hospitals, and much more. Mayor Dave Cieslewicz was on hand to pass out the awards to energetic youth. He commended them for their service and told them they were "living the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King." "Martin Luther King was contributing to his community long before he became famous," Cieslewicz told the youth gathered at the event. "He believed what he said and he backed it up with his actions. He didn't just talk the talk, he walked the walk. That's what you are all doing today." After spending the morning and early afternoon at the convention center, students spread out throughout Dane County to volunteer for various community service projects. It was their moment to put into action the words that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: "Everybody can be great, because everyone can serve." The 9th Annual Achieving Greatness Through Service Day was organized by more than 20 middle and high school students who make up the MLK Youth Council. The council is a joint effort of the Urban League of Greater Madison, the Dane County Youth Board, and the United Way of Dane County. |
| 9th annual Achieving Greatness Through Service Day March to the Capitol: "Do what is right!" By Laura Salinger |
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