On Monday, January 18th, AGE+ will join the nation in celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day by honoring the legacy and life of Dr. King.

During this time when the issue of racial equity is so important in our country, we acknowledge the long term impacts of systemic racism and inequality, particularly in the daily lives of Black older adults and those in communities of color. The urgency for people and organizations to examine and address their own biases, prejudices and dominant culture assumptions is real, and AGE+ is committed to embedding and operationalizing equity and inclusion in all we do.

Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” To this end, AGE+ looks to Dr. King’s wisdom in our own work for the betterment of communities across Oregon. We are sending this message today to invite you to join us this coming Monday in a day of reflection, education and community service.

Here are just a few ways you can join AGE+ in educating yourself on Monday:

  • Explore this list of movies, television shows and books on systemic racism.
  • Explore these virtual exhibitions of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture.
  • Explore the special podcast series, “Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.,” from NPR.
  • Join The Skanner Foundation’s virtual 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast on January 18th at 9:00am PT. Click here for more.
  • Join the World Arts Foundation’s livestream event, “Bridge Over Troubled Water: A Tribute to the Life & Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” on January 18th at 12:00pm-5:00pm PT. Click here for more.
  • Take part in the 2021 MLK Virtual Racial Justice Teach-in, “From Resilience to Black Liberation: Uprooting Systems of Inequity,” presented by the Campus Collaborative on Saturday, January 23rd at 10:00am-3:30pm PT. Click here for more.

We hope you join us on Monday and every day in our deep commitment to apply equity, inclusion and, above all, compassion, into all of our actions and activities.