Celebrating the Day After Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Today is even more important than Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. While MLK day is a wonderful celebration of one of America’s most significant figures, MLK never wanted a celebration, he wanted change.

So while the celebration of MLK is indeed a worthy event, it’s what happens after the celebration that really counts. That is why the day after MLK Day is so important.

“The saving of our world from pending doom will come, not through the complacent adjustment of the conforming majority, but through the creative maladjustment of a nonconforming minority.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK was a visionary leader that exhibited righteousness and selflessness. He understood that only by creating empathic connections across real and fictitious boundaries could we work together as people to make the world a better place.

“We must rapidly begin the shift from a “thing-oriented” society to a “person-oriented” society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Social entrepreneurs and their philanthropic ventures are the real heroes on the “Day After MLK Day”. They are the workers and toilers who commit passion, energy, skills, and time to making the world a better place by pursuing sustainable business models. Their inspiring work crosses boundaries, creates connections, and focuses on people and our planet, not money. MLK did not want people to donate one day to community service, he wanted people to dedicate their work 365 days a year to make the world a better place.

“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.