Boys & Girls Clubs of America Celebrates MLK Jr. Day as “A Day On, Not a Day Off”

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is about more than the civil rights activist’s legacy — it’s a call to service. On this holiday, many embrace Dr. King’s example through volunteering and addressing critical needs in their communities.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America is no different. Every third Monday in January, leaders from our national office honor Dr. King by completing a restoration project at a local Boys & Girls Club. This year, executives journeyed to Auburn, Alabama to make an impact.

In Service to the Next Generation in Alabama

The celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day is especially significant for the residents of Alabama, where many pivotal events of the Civil Rights Movement took place. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the Selma-to-Montgomery marches, Dr. King led a movement that ignited a call for justice and a sense of belonging for all people statewide, reverberating throughout our nation.

To honor the rich history and legacy of Dr. King’s contributions to the state, Boys & Girls Clubs of America executives visited the Auburn Clubhouse, part of Boys & Girls Clubs of East Alabama, to revamp the after-school space for young kids, teens and caregivers.

Surprising Teens with Re-Designed Hangout Spaces

Founded in 1990, Boys & Girls Clubs of East Alabama serve more than 6,000 young people in community Clubhouses, schools and one mobile Club. Nestled inside the Boykin Community Center, the Auburn Clubhouse offers homework help, sports, arts, music and more for youth to engage in after school and during the summer.

Richard B. Curry Jr., CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of East Alabama, values creating a safe, supportive environment for kids and teens.

“The Auburn Clubhouse has long been a cornerstone of our community, and these renovations are an investment in the future of our young people,” said Richard. “We are committed to providing a world-class experience for all young people across East Alabama.”

To support Curry’s vision, BGCA senior leaders, including president and CEO Jim Clark, got to work on furnishing and decorating the Club’s teen and flex rooms. Auburn middle schoolers were thrilled to find a new gaming system, mural paintings, new furniture, neon signage and supplies like new books, cubby spaces, comfy chairs and more.

To celebrate the transformation, the Club hosted a grand re-opening later in the day, inviting community members, families, staff and local leaders to explore the new spaces. Auburn Mayor Ron Anders was also in attendance and served as a guest speaker.

“Being of service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of my favorite Club experiences,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “As we honor Dr. King, it’s important for us to not only remember his words but his call to action.”

Jim continued, “Our senior leadership team is grateful to serve alongside incredible staff and volunteers on this project, and we’re excited to see teens in Auburn learn, grow and thrive in the newly refreshed spaces.”

Inspiring Leadership at Any Age

Dr. King’s life, especially as a young leader, reminds us of the extraordinary impact young people can have in driving social change. In the same spirit, Boys & Girls Clubs of America have always believed that age doesn’t limit a person’s power to make a difference in the world.

Today, our commitment to societal change and inclusion is matched by the youth we serve. Nearly 1 in 4 Club members volunteer in their communities monthly, with Club teens ranking mental health, freedom of speech and racial justice as their top social issues.

Fostering belonging is crucial to Boys & Girls Club teens. So much so, that they requested Dr. Bernice King, MLK Jr.’s daughter, to speak at Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Keystone teen leadership conference in 2024, attended by over 1,000 teens and staff nationwide.

“I had the privilege of sitting next to Dr. Bernice King before she delivered an impactful message of inspiration and encouragement to our 14-18-year-olds,” Jim Clark recalled. “In that quiet moment, I was struck by her profound presence, reminiscent of what’s often been said of her father, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by those who knew him best.”

By upholding Dr. King’s values of service within Boys & Girls Clubs, young people are motivated to make positive changes where they live and beyond. Find a Club near you or donate to help more youth spend their after-school time engaging in their communities.