Silver State Times

Martin Luther King Jr. showed selflessness and service in his actions throughout his fight for equality during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. 

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, residents of Reno and the surrounding community celebrated his life through service and volunteering in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

KOLO reported that the University of Nevada, Reno’s ASUN student government held a volunteer event at the Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows. The volunteers arrived at 9 a.m. and read stories about King, according to the UNR website. This was followed by a discussion about why his life is celebrated. The children also wrote thank you letters to civil rights leaders who marched with King. They also put together their own MLK Day march.

The Truckee Meadows Park Foundation held an “MLK Day of Service” where 60 volunteers were involved in “bioblitzing” and wetland cleanup. This took place at the Rosewood Nature Study Area, and volunteers served as citizen scientists who surveyed and recorded species. They also picked up debris and trash from the wetlands.

“This day is committed to encouraging everyone to join together for 'a day on, not a day off' and volunteer in their respective communities,” the Truckee Meadows Park Foundation website stated.

The Reno Police Department is constantly serving the local community and also celebrated the life of King. 

“Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Today we honor and celebrate one of the most influential civil rights leaders our country has ever seen, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He is a true inspiration to us all,” the Reno Police Department tweeted along with a photograph of King alongside the quote, “the time is always right to do what is right.”