When MLK, Jr. Day Coincides with Inauguration Day in Divided Times.

When MLK, Jr. Day Coincides with Inauguration Day in Divided Times
The events also coincide with the culmination of a week-long celebration of the life of President Jimmy Carter. Whether one views these co-occurring occasions as signs of hope or despair, now is the time to turn to their words for solace and guidance, writes Yvette Cozier, associate dean for diversity, equity, inclusion & justice.
Since it became a federal holiday in 1986, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day has run the gamut from a day of observance (such as church services, celebrations, concerts, and A Day of Service) to simply viewed as a long holiday weekend for some. During my youth in Boston, Black Bostonians remembered and celebrated his life in the years following his death. After all, he was not only a local student who earned a doctorate from Boston University’s School of Theology in 1955, but also a frequent presence in the pulpits of local churches, including Union United Methodist in the South End, and Twelfth Baptist Church and St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church, both in Roxbury. Union United Methodist (my family church) and St. Cyprian’s co-founded the annual Boston MLK Memorial Breakfast in 1970. Now in its 55th year, it is the longest running celebration of its kind in the country. The event attracts business and civic leaders from across the state, politicians from all levels of government, and religious leaders of many faiths.
This year, MLK Day will be quite different as the holiday coincides with the presidential inauguration. The federal MLK holiday is designated to fall on the third Monday of January, while the 20th Amendment of the US Constitution set the date and time for the transfer of presidential power to fall on January 20 at noon. Although rare, these two holidays have collided before: in 1997 for President Bill Clinton’s second inauguration; and in 2013, with President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.
Another unique aspect to this year’s convergence of federal holidays is that as we prepare for an incoming president, we have had the opportunity to reflect on a past president. President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral at the National Cathedral on January 9 culminated a week of national reflection on a life dedicated to public health, affordable housing, disease eradication, and anti-poverty measures. It also marked the beginning of 30 days of national mourning symbolized by flags flying at half-staff on all federal properties—domestic, abroad, and on the seas.
How one feels about this particular alignment depends on many things. Like much in the US political landscape, feelings will likely be divided. Those celebrating the inauguration of the incoming administration may view the co-occurrences as a sign of hope, aligning with Dr. King’s “dream.” Others may view it as a terrible misalignment of extremely diverging social views and policy principles on what should be a day to celebrate both Dr. King and his dream.
Whatever one’s viewpoint, this is a particularly anxious time for many. As a researcher of Black women’s health for the past 30 years, and as a DEI practitioner for the last 10, I would be dishonest if I didn’t admit some distress at the level of vitriol hurled at every aspect of my and others’ professional lives. I know there are many who feel the same. It can be overwhelming at times. But this is exactly when we must turn to the words of Dr. King and others for solace and guidance.
During the recent celebrations of President Carter’s life, I was drawn to his phrase, “My faith demands—this is not optional—my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have, to try to make a difference.” I don’t mention it here in the context of religion, but rather in the context of our duty as public health practitioners. It is our faith in science, our faith in humanity, and our faith in the mission of public health that demands that we do all that we can to advocate on behalf of and improve the lives of the most vulnerable. It is this faith that even in these ominous times, a spark of an idea can turn into a conversation and grow into a collaboration, grant proposal, manuscript, and more. As Dr. King once said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase”.
Dr. King also said,“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.” I hope we continue to make January 20 and every day thereafter a day of service. Numerous agencies throughout New England, the US, and globe—public health-focused or otherwise—need help, whether through donations, specific skills, or simply the offer of hands-on work. Organizations that are close to us on the Boston University medical campus include the BMC Preventive Food Pantry, Rosie’s Place, Pine Street Inn, and many others.
Finally, whenever possible, embrace the joy and satisfaction of learning, relaxation, and personal enrichment—all important forms of “self-care.” While MLK Day originates in grief over a life cut short, it has been grounded in inspiration and celebration of the human spirit. How ever you opt to spend the holiday, use it as an opportunity to reflect on, learn from, draw inspiration from, and celebrate the life of Dr. King, who considered Boston to be his second home, and there is much within the city that honors him—including at Boston University. Below is a short list of activities available this week and beyond the third Monday of January.
- 2025 Annual Martin Luther King Lecture and Luncheon: “Actionable Steps for Creating Change: Empowering Trainees and Beyond”. Tuesday, January 21, 2025 in Hiebert Lounge | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. Register here.
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration 2025: The Darkness at Midnight. Saturday, January 25, 2025 at BU Howard Thurman Center. More info here.
- MLK Jr. Archives @ Boston University (Gotlieb Archival Research Center, 771 Commonwealth Avenue)
- Embrace Boston Monument (Boston Common, Tremont Street)
Change is inevitable, but how we respond to that change is up to us. By doing what we can, wherever we can, whenever we can, for as long as we can, we take control of the things that matter to us, our families, our profession, and the communities we serve.
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