Georgians Use Service to Honor King 

Dr. Christine King Farris, Ph.D., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s only living sibling, listens as Governor Deal talks about her brother's legacy.

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"

Each year, Georgians answer this question posed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by coming together on the King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a "day on, not a day off."

On Wednesday, January 12, state leaders and King’s family members, including Dr. Christine King Farris, Ph.D., King’s only living sibling, gathered together for the 27th year at the Capitol to celebrate the life and legacy of the civil rights icon.

Gov. Nathan Deal told the crowd in the Capitol’s North Wing that King "gave his life for a cause that provided dignity and opportunity for millions of men, women and children, not only in his day, but in ours."

On Monday, January 16, King Day events took place across the state, including the annual commemorative service at Ebenezer Baptist Church and the march and rally on Auburn Avenue Monday afternoon in Atlanta.

Last week, 71 percent of respondents to a PHWEEK poll reported their involvement as volunteers with various organizations. This week, as the state recognizes what would have been the 83rd birthday of the great civil rights icon, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Georgians across the state will lend their hands in service to honor King’s message of giving back.


-Story by Kimberly Stringer, DPH Communications

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