Saratoga Springs, N.Y. — On January 15, 2024, members of the Saratoga Springs community came together at the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church to participate in the Dr. King Day of Service. This event marked the conclusion of the 11th annual Dr. King Celebration Weekend organized by MLK Saratoga. The day emphasized community engagement and honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through various service projects.
Debra Callura, a board member of MLK Saratoga, highlighted the significance of the event. “One thing I love about MLK weekend is the diversity — not only of people’s races and religions, but ages,” she stated. “We have young people here, we have older people here, we have people in the middle. Everybody’s here, and I love that generational theme.” The event showcased a wide range of participants, reflecting the inclusivity and unity that Dr. King championed.
Community Projects Promote Service and Awareness
Attendees engaged in numerous projects designed to benefit local organizations and foster community connections. Among the activities was a book repair initiative conducted by the Saratoga Children’s Literacy League, creating blankets for local animal shelters in collaboration with Saratoga Central Catholic, and assembling renewable menstrual management kits for global distribution with MoonCatcher. Additionally, participants transformed antique chairs into artistic pieces for auction, supporting the Erasing Spaces and Faces project with C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios.
Julie Lewis, co-founder of C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios and site director in Saratoga, emphasized the importance of community engagement through art. Their project, titled “pull up,” encouraged participants to decorate chairs as a metaphor for community restoration. “It really reflects the teamwork that’s involved, the focus, the commitment, the communication around repairing something that’s been broken,” Lewis explained. The project aimed to acknowledge the displacement of the African American community due to urban renewal in Saratoga Springs.
Year-Round Commitment to Justice and Service
The Dr. King Day of Service also provided a platform for various local organizations to connect with community members. Groups such as Saratoga PRIDE, the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, and the Saratoga Immigration Coalition set up informational tables to engage with attendees. Participants also had the opportunity to donate items, including pet food and children’s books, to support local needs.
Sylvia Bloom, Religious Education Director for Temple Sinai, expressed the ongoing importance of service beyond the holiday. “(King) was a light for all of us as to how to make the world more full and level the playing field enough to give other people the benefits of what they may not have, through no fault of their own,” she said. This was the fourth year Temple Sinai organized a book drive for local schools and community groups, reinforcing their commitment to social justice.
The day culminated in a community celebration featuring a light lunch catered by Jackson Soul Catering and music by Soulist Garland Nelson. Attendees enjoyed a keynote address from Minister Steven Boxley and participated in a sing-along of songs like “We Shall Overcome.” The atmosphere was one of joy and reflection, honoring Dr. King’s vision for unity and community service.
Callura reflected on the event’s impact, stating, “Dr. King talked about service, talked about the beloved community. Throughout my life, I’ve always wondered what I should be doing on MLK Day so that it’s not just a day off from work and I could contribute.” She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness the community come together in such a meaningful way.
The Dr. King Day of Service not only celebrated Dr. King’s legacy but also provided a platform for fostering connections within the Saratoga Springs community. It served as a reminder of the ongoing need for social action and community engagement, encouraging participants to carry the spirit of service throughout the year.
