Social Justice on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday

Community service is an aspect of Richmond SOL that we’re proud to share. During “normal times,” our players and families can often be found contributing to a food drive, park clean-up day, health fair, civil rights vigil, barbercon, toy giveaway, or other gathering that benefits the community.

However, during “COVID times,” community service and civic engagement look different than in past years. We’re finding ways to volunteer online while continuing to donate food and resources to those in need. As of this posting on #MLKDay in January 2021, we still can’t hold indoor gatherings. We’re staying socially distanced, wearing masks, and looking out for each other.

Regardless of these challenges, the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is alive and well on this #MLKDay. As we honor and remember him, we’re finding ways to convey his truths while remaining COVID-safe.

For example, some of our young players and friends gathered peacefully outdoors to raise awareness of U.S. immigration policy issues with these messages (see photo):

• “Migration is a human right!”

• “No cages, no walls”

• “Unite them all now!”

…and a favorite quotation from Dr. King:

• “Peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but the existence of justice for all people.”

For these young people, it was a day of service and a meaningful way to put Dr. King’s teachings into a current context. As these young people are reminding us, there is much work to be done, and we must not rest until there is peace and justice for ALL people. Thank you, Richmond SOL players, for your service. Dr. King would be pleased.