January 2021
Your monthly news & updates
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
National Day of Service
Martin Luther King Jr. once said “The ultimate measure of a man is … where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

We continue to see examples of the underlying inequity in American life including the overwhelming and disproportionate toll of COVID-19 on communities of color.

We, as a community, can and must do better to guarantee that the basic human rights and freedoms of every person in the Eastern Panhandle are protected. We must all do our part, working United, to make our community a place where everyone has the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. 

On January 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, consider taking one or more of the following actions in order to honor Dr. King’s legacy and keep up his work in the 21st century. 
5 Ways to Work for Equity on MLK Day
1. Volunteer with United Way of the Eastern Panhandle on this National Day of Service. Visit volunteerEP.org to browse or search for volunteer opportunities, learn more about local nonprofits, and even create and maintain your own Volunteer Resume.

2. Educate yourself about systemic racism and oppression. Spend some time on Martin Luther King Jr. Day reading, watching, or listening in order to learn more about our country’s history of racial injustice and how people are organizing for change.   
  

3. Support local minority-owned businesses and restaurants. 

4. Call or write your local or state officials to express your support for policies that promote racial justice. Find your elected officials here.

5. Talk to a child in your life about race.
These ideas are just a few ways you can get started. To advance racial justice, it will take everyone working together, year-round, United for equity, United for change. As Dr. King once said, “If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl, but by all means, keep moving.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poetry Contest
In the poem below, Wildwood Middle School student Zion Johnson depicts his dream of a better world, winning him first place in last year's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poetry Contest. The middle school was the recipient of United Way grant funding during the 2019-2020 year. Zion's reading of the poem can be viewed here:
I Have a Dream
Where life is not as bad
And people's faces aren't as sad
I have a dream
Where we heal the hurt
And look at life for what it's worth
I have a dream
Where every child has a toy
And everybody is full of joy
I have a dream
Where there is no violence
And one that we help those that scream in silence
I have a dream
Where people don't worry about clout
And instead help each other out
I have a dream
Where there is a smile on everyone's face
And the earth becomes a better place.

I Have a Dream
Where racism is no longer
And hearts rid of long-lasting anger
I have a dream
Where injustice of all people
Will be no longer and we all will truly be treated equal
I have a dream
Where we as a country can finally come together
And end this rainy weather
I have dream
Where equality is truly achieved
And peace and harmony will be received
I have a dream
Where we reach Dr. King's promise land
And together we will stand.

I Have a Dream
Where failure is not an option
But the thought of it is only a disruption
I have a dream
Where goals are not only set
But they are met
I have a dream
Where struggling in not a sign of weakness
But instead is a foreshadow of upcoming perseverance
I have a dream
Where motivation is key
And success is up and coming for me.

I Have a Dream
Where success is not limited
And new fields of work can be inhibited
I have a dream
Where success is not only obtainable
But it also is sustainable
I have a dream
Where success can not only be reached
But the path to it can be taught and preached
I have a dream
Where success is gained by trial and error
And no one on the path is deterred by a small terror.