Since 1986, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday has been recognized as a federal holiday, commemorating Dr. King’s nonviolent activism and commitment to equality. Observed on the third Monday in January, MLK Day is often celebrated with acts of community service and reflections on Dr. King’s mission and values.  

We asked some members of the Y Street leadership team how Dr. King’s legacy shapes their activism today, and they expressed feeling inspired by Dr. King’s practice of uplifting young leaders, his dedication, and his commitment to nonviolent activism.  

Youth Empowerment 

Y Street is led by and for teens, so it’s no surprise that participants were inspired by Dr. King’s goal of building a better world for future generations.  

Havyn Coe, a senior at Manor High School, said, “It is important to involve young people in leadership and activism because they are the future. The changes we can make now will follow us into adulthood and be there for the next generations. We can continue to prioritize Dr. King’s mission by showing leadership in the way he wanted and by being involved in the community.” 

Chaya Mclean, a junior at James River High School, lives Dr. King’s legacy by calling for youth to play an active role in building their futures, saying, “I think it is important that youth are involved in leadership because they are the next generation of leaders, and they have a huge impact on the future of our world. Young people need to know that their voices matter. The decisions that are made today affect their future, so why not have them fight for the changes they want?” 

Dedication 

Y Street members work tirelessly to make their communities healthier, and many students named Dr. King’s determination and persistence as an inspiration to their activism.  

“Dr. King’s legacy means so much to me! His teachings of equality, justice, and nonviolence have a big impact on my work with Y Street and in my community. I strive to promote inclusivity, stand up against injustice, and inspire positive change, just like he did. His courage and determination continue to inspire me every day,” said Lauryn Hall, a senior at JR Tucker High School.  

Nainika Sompallie, a recent graduate of JR Tucker High School, echoed that sentiment, saying, “Dr. King’s legacy means seeking to make a difference through peaceful means and with consistency and persistence. His teachings inform my work because I try to enact positive change through Y Street with that same commitment to perseverance and tenacity, not giving up at small setbacks.” 

Community Service 

Young people today are still inspired by Dr. King to be leaders in their communities and seek change through nonviolent activism.  

The Y Street leadership team also that community service and youth leadership should be practiced year-round, not only on MLK Day: “We can continue to prioritize Dr. King’s mission and call all year by showing leadership in community issues and coming up with solutions for these issues. Raising awareness of these issues is another way of using your leadership skills to make a change,” said Jammonie Johnson, a recent graduate of Charlottesville High School.  

Learn more about Y Street’s work at YStreet.org.