Be the Peace You'd Like To See In the World

This year Volunteer Services honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. virtually on the MLK Day of Service. Youth volunteers created collages and poems sharing the message of Dr. Martin Luther King and how his teachings correlate with some of the situations we face in the world today. Young volunteers had about a month to prepare an original artwork or poem. Artists and staff from the Department's Youth Arts team provided instruction, guidance and encouragement for the youth as they developed their artwork and poems. The presenters used a variety of materials to make collages that represent Dr. Martin Luther King’s message, and what he stood for. The materials used tissue paper, magazine and newspaper cutouts, string, yarn, paint and construction paper. As inspiration for their own writings, the young poets used some of MLK’s famous quotes including “Be the peace you’d like to see in the world,” “Hate cannot drive out hate only love can do that” and “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” Teens recited their poems with confidence and dignity spreading the message of the late Dr. King.

MLK Day of Service Presenters pictured above

It was a learning experience for the youth who were given the opportunity to dive deeper into the legacy of Dr. King, and the audience who learned something new as they watched the showcase. The participants also spoke on police brutality and the countless black lives taken away at the hands of police officers. This virtual showcase reminded us that we have come very far in our accomplishments but we still have so very far to go.

Collages by Zaria and Ian

Click here to see the full presentation!

Volunteer Highlight

Anotha’ Brotha’ Gone  Florida, 2012   A black man offers a white man candy  The white man shoots   Bang! Anotha’ brotha’ gone  Baltimore, 2015  A black man is detained by police  He is held improperly and thrown in a van  He dies at the hospital   His heart stops’ brotha gone  Minneapolis, 2020  A black man is pulled out of his car  He is detained and thrown on the ground   He screams and cries for his mother in pain and agony  As an officer places his bony knee on his neck  He can no longer breathe as his finally heart stops  Anotha brotha gone  As a black teen writes this poem  He thinks   If an officer detains me  Will I be shaking in fear and crying for my mother?  Will he murder me for complying?  Will I be reported on the news for millions of people to see?  Will people say my name?  I guess only time will tell if I’ll just be anotha brotha gone.

Written by volunteer Kinnon

Collages by volunteer JonathanHenry

Student Service Learning

M-NCPPC gives Prince George’s County students the opportunity to complete a meaningful volunteer service within their community as well as gain a great learning experience. Student Service Learning allows students to take what they have learned in the classroom, then apply it in real word scenarios. These hours spent volunteering within our organization are documented, and go towards each students graduation requirements. Youth should record their hours online. We can replace lost PGCPS Verification Forms and verify service if the hours are recorded online. Record your hours here

QUESTIONS & IDEAS?

If you have questions about volunteering or student learning hours contact jo-ann.martinez@pgparks.com. If you have any ideas for upcoming newsletter features contact andrea.braswell@pgparks.com.