Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Impact at UIC
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a renowned activist and leader in the civil rights movement from 1955-68. His mission to bring peace and equality to the US was crucial during times when segregation divided the peace within many communities. In Chicago, his mission greatly impacted the community. The city passed the Summit Agreement allowing open housing with the Chicago Housing Authority. The Mortgage Bankers Association also began allowing mortgages regardless of race. Today, we honor his mission of equality and peace with MLK Day of Service.
Why does UIC volunteer?
Rae Joyce Baguilat, Director for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement said, "Students, faculty, and staff often say, "I would love to volunteer but I just don’t have the time." So, with MLK Day of Service being on a “day off,” everyone now has the time to make a positive impact in the city of Chicago. Since it is a federally recognized holiday, we are encouraged to use this day to create meaningful change towards Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community." Volunteering on this day of service has been a tradition at UIC, and efforts have only grown.
Every year on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (the third Monday of January), UIC takes this time to help support the movement for peace by actively partaking in an all-day volunteering event across the Chicago area. Students have been able to volunteer at sites such as Stone Temple Baptist Church, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, Renaissance Social Services, Be the Match, Esperanza Community Services, and many more. Every year, the value of UIC’s efforts is more than $15,000. We take pride in keeping the tradition going for communal peace in Chicago.
How else can students get involved?
There are many ways for students to get involved. Jeff Brown, the Director of the African American Academic Network (AAAN), says that students should "join an organization where they can engage with other like-minded students and get to work." The campus has organizations to fit every interest. These organizations can help students to grow and find their passions in making a difference in the world. "Because there is so much need in our world, we simply have to care enough to want to help others in any way we can," said Jeff.
Rae Joyce said, "Students can start with just one act of kindness and serve just one person. Coretta Scott King said, “The greatest birthday gift my husband could receive is if people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds celebrated the holiday by performing individual acts of kindness through service to others.” Students can volunteer with SLCE through other service opportunities year-round. Student organizations and community service agencies post opportunities on connect.uic.edu They can also learn more about UIC’s Social Justice Initiative or UIC’s seven Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change."
Dr. King’s influence is not only seen in the volunteer hours that students provide. Mr. Brown believes that, "[Dr. King] was a highly-intelligent and educated man who fought for the right to a quality education, which current students are now able to take advantage of. I see students working hard to become a better version of themselves through education and not letting any obstacle get in their way. Students show an incredible amount of resilience and determination, which were just a few of the many characteristics of Dr. King.”
Joseph Fields, the Associate Director for AAAN, said that many students acknowledge the sacrifices of their predecessors and it drives them to continue schooling and help communities on or off campus. He said, “When I see our students sharing their gifts with others and communities outside the corridors of UIC, their actions provide an ideal answer to one of Dr. King’s famous quotes - "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?''
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Having the persistence to go for the education you want is a characteristic Dr. King hoped to see in the community. Helping others by being a campus ambassador, working a campus job, or simply picking up someone’s dropped pen demonstrates the love Dr. King wanted to see.
Continue Dr. King’s mission of peace and equality, not only in college, but throughout your life too.