In his 1963 book “Strength to Love,” Martin Luther King Jr. wrote: “The ultimate measure of a man is … where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

In the past 12 months as we witnessed more instances of ongoing police violence against African Americans — as well as the overwhelming and disproportionate toll of COVID-19 on communities of color — the underlying inequities in American life became clearer than ever. Millions joined the fight for racial justice and equity across the nation and here in our corner of Michigan.

At United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, we believe that the values of equity, diversity and inclusion are critical to our impact work and to our regional community. Our leadership, staff and volunteers have committed significant resources to fully becoming an anti-racist organization, and we will continue on this path as we work to build more resilient and equitable communities.

We call on you to join us in the fight for equity and justice. 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.

1. Volunteer.

Join us on this Day of Service in a COVID-safe volunteer opportunity. Sign up here.

2. Take the 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge

Sign up today for the United Way 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge, beginning February 1. Each weekday throughout Black History Month, we’ll email you a set of free materials and links – videos, articles, podcasts, infographics – on a topic related to racial equity. We encourage you to choose the format that works for you and spend at least 10-15 minutes each day learning and reflecting on the material. Sign up to take the challenge here.

3. Learn Something New

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

To Read:

• The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi
• Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
• Historical Foundations of Race by The National Museum of African American History and Culture
• Martin Luther King, Jr.: His Life in Pictures.

To Watch:

• Civil Rights Movement on PBS
• Systemic Racism Explained
• 13TH: Director Ava DuVernay’s examination of the U.S. prison system

To Listen:

• How Race Was Made | SceneOn Radio
• A list of podcasts that celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
• Listen to MLKs incredible speeches.

4. Support local Black-owned businesses.

Check out Black Wall Street Kalamazoo or this Calhoun County Minority-Owned Business Listing.

5. Participate in a virtual event.

• 35th Annual Celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Sunday, January 17, 2021, at 4:00 pm. , hosted by Northside Ministerial Alliance.
• W.K. Kellogg Foundation National Day of Racial Healing; Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021 at 3 p.m. RSVP here.
• WMU/K College MLK Day Virtual Convocation; Jan 18 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Please contact Natalia Carvalho-Pinto (ncarvalh@kzoo.edu) for the link to join.
• State of the African American Community Address on Jan. 18 from 12-2 p.m. on Urban League’s Facebook (FB Live Event).
• Kalamazoo Truth Racial Healing & Transformation Virtual Healing Event; Jan. 18 at 4 p.m. Sign up here. (Capped at 50 participants).
• (National Event) National Civil Rights Museum King Day Celebration Livestream; Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. EST or 7 p.m. EST. Register for one of the livestreams.

6. Advocate.

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

7. Get involved.

Join the Battle Creek or Kalamazoo NAACP chapter. The organization is open to everyone, no matter your race or ethnic background.

8. Talk to a child in your life about race.

Reading a book is an easy way to teach this complex concept to children. Good options include:

• A Kids Book About Racism by Jelani Memory
• Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness by Anastasia Higginbotham
• A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
• Sometimes People March by Tessa Allen

These ideas are just a few ways you can get started. The fight for racial justice and equity should continue beyond MLK Day. 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.”