As the only federal holiday designated by Congress as a National Day of Service, Martin Luther King Day (MLK Day) provides an opportunity to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his vision of a Beloved Community, which is a society where “caring and compassion drive political policies that support the worldwide elimination of poverty and hunger and all forms of bigotry and violence.” Dr. King called his vision of a beloved community an “engine of reconciliation.”
Each year on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Day honors and celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. while encouraging all Americans to honor his vision by volunteering to improve their communities. At Blue Shield of California, we recognize this day as a company holiday, celebrate and support Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community and standing for what is right by encouraging our people to use this day as an opportunity to reflect and get involved.
Our people were encouraged to volunteer in a special holiday Day of Service through L.A. Works at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a special MLK Day of Service in Oakland, CA, as well as events through Blue Shield Cares (benevity.org) that included donating blood to save lives and cleaning up trash outdoors.
Other opportunities where our people were encouraged to participate included the 38th Annual Kingdom Parade in Los Angeles, which Blue Shield of California was Presenting Sponsor, March for a Dream in Sacramento, and the MLK 2023 March in San Francisco.
In addition to volunteering and participating in a variety of events, our people also donated to help support:
Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation
Helps unlock the promise in every person through programs and events that advance civil and human rights; promote social, economic and environmental justice; support health, wellness and preparedness; and increase the joys of learning
Black Cooperative Investment Fund
Provides microloans through pooled dollars and raises awareness about the importance of economic empowerment and wealth building for the Black/African American community, with a specific focus on communities in the Southern California region.
A Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired, value-centered non-profit organization committed to advancing the principles of social change as a strategy for building strong and healthy communities 365 days a year.
Contributers were encouraged to record their donating and volunteering efforts to receive company matched dollars for their contributions, and other opportunities provided to thank those who dedicated time and/or money to support our communities.
Our Black Employee Network (B.E.N.) resource group released a message on our enterprise social network stating that “Martin Luther King Day is a significant day… for all communities,” and called for members to voice, in their own words, what the day means to them and why in short one-to-two-minute videos.
Are you searching for job opportunities with a team that strives to make Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream of a Beloved Community come to fruition? A company that encourages the growth and development of our communities and all members who live in them while standing against prejudice and discrimination? We’d love to speak with you! Search our open career opportunities and apply!
