YMCA of Snohomish County to Host Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspirational Weekend
Everett, WA. January 9, 2023 — YMCA of Snohomish County will honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by hosting its 2nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspirational Weekend on January 13-16, 2023.
The weekend begins with an inspirational breakfast on January 13 from 7 – 9 am at the Everett Family YMCA (4730 Colby Ave., Everett, WA 98203) and culminate with a Day of Service on Monday, January 16 from 9 am – 1 pm.
“The Y is compelled to honor Dr. King’s legacy because his teachings inspire our values of equality and opportunity for all in our community,” said Peyton Tune, YMCA of Snohomish County President and CEO. “Our mission and work are made better every time we reflect on King’s teachings and legacy.”
The Y has a meaningful connection to Dr. King. Before he was a civil rights champion and humanitarian, before he delivered his universally-acclaimed “I Have a Dream” speech at the 1963 March on Washington, and before he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, King was a young child who found a second home at the YMCA. As a boy, he learned to swim at his hometown Y in Atlanta, GA.
“This unique connection to Dr. King inspires us to live out his values in our daily work,” said Tune. “We look forward to honoring his legacy and then getting out in the community to serve our neighbors.”
All community members are invited to attend the Inspirational Breakfast on Friday morning. Community leaders and YMCA youth will lead a panel discussing the question of the day, originating from the words of Dr. King himself: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘what are you doing for others?’”
On Monday, January 16, YMCAs throughout Snohomish County will host “Make It A Day ON, Not A Day OFF” community service projects honoring Dr. King’s servant leadership spirit. The Y will mobilize hundreds of volunteers who will give back to their local community through various service projects, including tree planting in Monroe, food bank support in Mill Creek and Mukilteo, and assembling care packages for seniors in Marysville.
“The highlight of the weekend is our Day of Service when we get the opportunity to live out Dr. King’s legacy,” said Tune. “By gathering together to serve, we are truly answering his question, ‘what are you doing for others?’ in a real, tangible way. This is about serving our neighbors.”
For more information about breakfast registration or Day of Service volunteering, please visit ymca-snoco.org/mlk.