When we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr on the third Monday in January every year, we often think of his powerful “I Have a Dream” speech. Dr. King was not only known for his vision and sacrifice but also his practical, daily pursuits of justice. It is a little known fact that Dr. King answered questions in an advice column called “Advice For Living” which ran in Ebony Magazine in 1957 and 1958. The topics included family issues and race relations. While some of his responses may not be as progressive today, they showed his moral convictions and evolving attitudes on controversial issues in an effort to become closer to living out love, peace, and justice. King continued publishing the column until his doctor advised him to limit his commitments after he was stabbed in September 1958.

King served the community not only in his writing and oratory, but his planning, policy advocacy, and community building. MLK Day is recognized as a National Day of Service – it is the only federal holiday with this designation. On this day, all Americans are encouraged to be like Dr. King and volunteer to improve our communities. Scale Strategic Solutions honors this day as a company holiday and hopes our employees, collaborators, clients, and others make time to learn about justice and serve the community. For ideas on how to best serve your community and to learn more about MLK Day, check https://americorps.gov/newsroom/events/mlk-day