MLK Day On, not Off: A Day of Service

On January 20, a day typically centered on unity took on a more complicated tone this year amidst societal division of the 2024 election. Yet, individuals of all ages came together in solidarity to mark the 30th anniversary of the MLK National Day of Service under the theme “A Day On, Not Off”.Beginning at Constitution Lakes Park and conceived as a partnership between the Dekalb County Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Affairs (DC-RPCA) Park Naturalists& Tasha Messer& and Birds Georgia volunteers worked in four groups to revitalize three community spaces.& Among the leaders of the day’s activities were Tasha Messer, a Naturalist at the park, Sebastian Hagen, the Habitat Program Coordinator for Birds Georgia, and Joy Carter, a dedicated volunteer and member of Birds Georgia, and Gavin Messer, Tasha’s son, who is a naturalist-in-training.Individuals of all ages, sexes, and races came together in solidarity to mark the 30th anniversary of the MLK National Day of Service under the theme “A Day On, Not Off”. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta VoiceMesser, a former elementary school teacher, shared her passion for fostering a love of nature in young people, highlighting the importance of programs like Birds Georgia. Her enthusiasm for mentoring the next...