This week, Owls commemorated the life and legacy of a civil rights icon by joining in a national community service effort. On Monday, Jan. 20, Temple University served as one of many sponsors for the 19th Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service—the largest King Day event in the nation. 

 

“The annual Martin Luther King Day of Service is one of the best opportunities of the year to do something to reconnect us with the communities where we live and work,” said Tiffany Wilson, CST '01, CHPSW '03, president of the Temple University Black Alumni Alliance. “We can always count on a large number of volunteers on MLK Day, but part of the overall mission is to encourage people to build a sense of connection and community by volunteering their time year-round.” 

 

 

 

Temple University students, faculty and staff showed their commitment to the Philadelphia community by participating in neighborhood cleanup projects, visiting senior care centers and creating blankets for the Kisses for Kyle Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping find cures for cancers that strike children.

 

“I brought about 20 young men from Basic Ball Philly Youth Organization with me today,” said Lashea Davis, adjunct instructor in the College of Health Professions and Social Work and operations manager for Basic Ball Philly Youth Organization. “It’s especially important to get young people involved in giving back.” 

 

Miranda Mathias, a first-year student in the College of Health Professions and Social Work, said she was proud to be part of such an important event. “This is my first time participating in Day of Service activities at Temple, but for me, this is an annual event.  It’s a tradition. I definitely think it’s important to give back as often as you can.”