January 15, 2021 marks what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 92nd birthday. The events of the past year and last week’s acts of violence at the U.S. Capitol are all-too-clear reminders that Dr. King’s call for “a beloved community” and his commitment to change through nonviolent protest are more relevant today than ever.
To honor Dr. King's life and legacy, we've collaborated with our Harvard Pilgrim colleagues to plan an event that will bring together employees and community members. The 11th Annual MLK Recognition and Service Day will be a virtual celebration and you are invited to join us tomorrow at 11 a.m.
The event will feature a panel discussion moderated by Shatyra Byson, chair of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Black Leaders Forum Employee Resource Group; Bithiah Carter, CEO of New England Blacks in Philanthropy; Danny Rivera, an artist and social impact advocate; and Sean Ellis, an advocate for criminal justice and prison reform and subject of the Netflix docu-series Trial 4.
Six students from local communities will be recognized with scholarships for compelling creative efforts depicting this year’s event theme, Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere. We will also announce several community organizations slated to receive funds from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation and Tufts Health Plan Foundation to support work on racial equity in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
