This year marks the 26th anniversary of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (the 3rd Monday in January). At Peoples Gas we observe this day as a company holiday.
“I’m glad the decision was made to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an official company holiday last year because it shows our leadership cares about building a culture of equality, tolerance, diversity and the inclusion of all,” says Velma Lewis, HR Projects and Change Lead. “Having the day off allows for team members to take a moment to honor the civil rights leader and recognize his legacy through reflection or volunteerism.”
Many of our team members embody the spirit of Dr. King’s life by volunteering and supporting service organizations within our communities, not only in January but throughout the year. Even while living through a pandemic in 2020, we collectively stayed committed to serving our communities.
We are proud to say that in 2020 Peoples Gas and Tampa Electric team members provided 35,000+ volunteer hours by contributing to non-profit groups or helping neighbors in need while practicing social distancing. Our mission continues in 2021.
We are proud to join the nation on Jan. 18 to recognize the life and legacy of an American hero, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on this federal holiday. He is known for his steadfast, non-violent stand against racial and social injustice in the United States, which was pivotal in ending the nation’s legalized segregation. King’s diligence has been the standard that has helped to change how marginalized populations are treated even today.
Most of us are familiar with King’s legendary “I Have A Dream” speech. However, some other little-known facts about King are worthy of highlighting as his legacy continues to leave a mark on and inspire generations.
- He was a young scholar. King entered Morehouse College (a historical black college in Atlanta) at just 15 years old and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology at 19 years old. King also earned a doctorate in systematic theology from Boston University.
- Even beyond his preaching, he was a great orator. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech was one of many delivered at the Lincoln Memorial. King also went on to write five books and won a Grammy for one of his speeches.
- He made history while alive. As the youngest man to date to do so, King won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 at the age of 35.
- His iconic status. King is one of only two American citizens to have their birthday memorialized as a federal holiday. The other is George Washington, now celebrated on the third Monday in February as Presidents’ Day.
“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.” ~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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