Boys & Girls Clubs of America Celebrates MLK Jr. Day by Recommitting to Dr. King’s Vision for Youth

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed deeply in the potential of the next generation. Each year, Boys & Girls Clubs of America recommits to nurturing that potential by honoring Dr. King and his legacy through our annual Day of Service.

Every third Monday in January, leaders from our national office honor Dr. King by completing a restoration project at a local Boys & Girls Club. Last year, executives helped renovate Boys & Girls Clubs of East Alabama’s Auburn Clubhouse. This year, they journeyed to the other side of the state to spruce up the Jaycee Park Club, part of Boys & Girls Clubs of West Alabama, for young kids, teens and caregivers.

In Service to the Next Generation in Alabama

Built in 1972, the Jaycee Park Club began upgrades last spring, supported by a $95,000 grant, along with in-kind donations from national partners. To aid these improvements, BGCA senior leaders, including President & CEO Jim Clark, got to work on MLK Jr. Day refreshing spaces to create more welcoming environments for Tuscaloosa youth.

“Our Club is at the heart of this neighborhood, and it means so much to have national leaders roll up their sleeves alongside us,” said Kim Turner, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of West Alabama. “These renovations will give our kids safer, brighter spaces where they can learn, grow and imagine their futures.”

Club members and staff were thrilled to find new flooring, fresh paint, new furniture and murals reflecting the pride, history and culture of their community. Longtime Boys & Girls Clubs of America partner Maytag also donated a new refrigerator to help ensure all members have daily access to nutritious snacks and meals.

To celebrate the transformation, the Club hosted a community celebration, welcoming families, partners and supporters to explore the renovated spaces. These upgrades go beyond beautification, fostering inspiring environments where Club kids can connect with adult mentors and participate in skill-building programs that nurture their success.

“Dr. King taught us that service is a powerful force for change, especially when we invest in the next generation,” said Jim Clark, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “By revitalizing Club spaces, we’re doing more than improving buildings. We’re strengthening places where young people feel safe, supported, inspired and truly known.”

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 has 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. 3-in-4 Club kids believe they can make a positive difference in their community, with 74% of Club youth in grades 9-12 volunteering at least annually, compared to 53% of their peers in the same grades nationally.

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.