Prince Georgians Encouraged to Safely Engage in Volunteer or Virtual Dr. King Day Community Activities - January 17   

The Prince George’s County Council encourages residents to safely engage in volunteer or virtual community events, on Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 17, 2022, “The MLK Day of Service.”

 In honor of Dr. King’s enduring legacy of service and recognizing the holiday as “a day on, not a day off,” the Council joins the national call for an ongoing commitment to community service and engagement.  

Prince George’s County Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II says the MLK Day of Service is a wonderful opportunity to support and uplift fellow Prince Georgians, especially during these challenging times. 

“As Prince Georgians serve one another in observance of this day, it is a great opportunity to recommit to achieving Dr. King’s global vision for a ‘Beloved Community,” embracing justice, equality and love for one another.  Many of us are struggling under the weight of this ongoing pandemic.   While COVID-19 challenges us, there are safe options to consider for honoring Dr. King’s legacy and strengthening our commitment to service.”

 Council Members are hosting and/or participating in MLK Day of Service events.  Below is a partial list for consideration:

• Council Chair Calvin Hawkins will partner with the First Baptist Church of Highland Park to host the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Grocery Giveaway, on Monday, January 17^th. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. and takes place at the church, 6801 Sheriff Road, Landover, Maryland.  While supplies last.   Chair Hawkins will be joined by District 5 Council Member Jolene Ivey at this event.

• Council Vice Chair Sydney Harrison, in partnership with the Bold Beautiful Brilliant Girls Youth Empowerment Group, will host the District 9 Virtual Day of Service Awards Event beginning at 6:00 p.m. Join the livestream and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy, while honoring District 9 community heroes!  Facebook Live – District 9 Council Member Sydney J. Harrison.   YouTube – Council Member Sydney Harrison   

• At-Large Council Mel Franklin co-sponsors the 5^th “MLK Day – A Day On” event at Beltway Plaza Mall, 6000 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, Maryland.  Free meals (while supplies last) and free booster shots from 12:00 Noon until 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 17^th. 

• District 1 Council Member Tom Dernoga participates in Laurel City’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Event at 3:00p.m. on Sunday, January 16^th. You can view the event LIVE on the City of Laurel’s Facebook page. Council Member Dernoga will also participate in the City of College Park Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. virtual event on Monday, January 17, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. 

• District 3 Council Member Dannielle Glaros participates in the Latin American Youth Center’s (LAYC) Virtual Event – 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PGCPS students can earn service hours for participation. For more information, visit, www.laycd.dc.gov . Council Member Glaros will also participate in a Litter Clean-up organized by The Riverdale Park Sustainability Committee (the Green Team) from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. Student Service-Learning (SSL) hours will be provided for this event. This is an outdoor event, open to the public, and participants are required to wear masks. To participate, please email Karyn McAlister at karyncrichton@yahoo.com.

• Among a few activities planning for the MLK Holiday, District 5 Council Member Jolene Ivey will join the Walk & Ride 4 Peace Parade on Monday, January 17^th, beginning at 9:00 a.m., with parade line-up at the Capitol Heights Metro Station. Parade Starts at 10 am, with stops at the Seat Pleasant Family Dollar; King’s Shopping Center at Belle Haven; and the Glenarden Municipal Center (in that order).  

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