MLK Day Done Right: Tips for Companies and Organizations
As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 20, 2025, many business owners and managers are asking themselves a pivotal question: Should my business observe or celebrate this important holiday, and if so, how?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of equity, inclusion, and social justice resonates far beyond the civil rights movement. For businesses—particularly those serving diverse communities—it offers an opportunity to reflect, educate, and take meaningful action. Whether you’re considering closing your business for the day or planning activities to honor Dr. King’s principles, this guide will help you navigate the decision-making process thoughtfully and strategically.
Who Was Martin Luther King Jr.?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a minister, activist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who played a monumental role in the American civil rights movement. His leadership in pivotal events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, advanced the cause of racial equality. His values of equity, justice, economic fairness, and nonviolence remain a blueprint for creating inclusive communities and workplaces.
Dr. King’s economic principles are particularly relevant for businesses today:
Economic Justice: Ensuring everyone has the opportunity to work with dignity and support their families.
Redistribution of Power: Creating systems that enable equitable access to resources.
Demand-Side Economics: Increasing consumer income to stimulate economic growth.
Guaranteed Income: Addressing poverty through direct financial support for low-income individuals.
These principles challenge us to rethink how our businesses impact the communities we serve.
Should My Business Close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
The decision to close your business on MLK Day depends on your company’s values, mission, and operational considerations. Offering MLK Day as a paid holiday demonstrates a commitment to equity and can foster goodwill among employees and customers. According to the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP), observing the holiday aligns with a company’s support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and strengthens workplace culture.
If closing isn’t feasible, consider offering paid time off for volunteering or designating the day as a “Day On” rather than a “Day Off,” encouraging employees to participate in community service.
How Can I Celebrate MLK Day in a Customer-Facing Way?
Even if your doors remain open, there are meaningful ways to honor the holiday with your customers:
Highlight Community Impact: Share stories about how your business supports local minority-owned enterprises or nonprofit organizations.
Promote DEI Efforts: Showcase your commitment to equity through ongoing initiatives.
Organize Events: Host discussions, workshops, or community service activities in partnership with local organizations.
However, avoid tokenistic gestures—such as superficial social media posts or sales promotions tied to the holiday—as they can damage your brand’s authenticity.
Ideas to Celebrate MLK Day Internally with Staff
Engaging your team in activities that honor Dr. King’s legacy fosters connection and shared purpose. Consider:
Educational Workshops: Organize a session on the history of the civil rights movement and its ongoing relevance.
Service Projects: Plan a team volunteering activity, such as a food drive, community clean-up, or fundraiser.
DEI Training: Use the day as a launchpad for ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Reflections on Company Values: Facilitate discussions about how your business can better align with Dr. King’s principles.
By fostering education and service, you can create a workplace culture rooted in inclusion and equity.
What Should My Company Post on Social Media for MLK Day?
Any social media content should be authentic, thoughtful, and action-oriented:
Do: Share how your business is honoring Dr. King’s legacy through specific actions, such as donations, partnerships, or service projects.
Don’t: Use the holiday for promotional purposes or disingenuous messaging.
Do: Highlight Dr. King’s principles, such as unity and justice, while demonstrating how your business embodies these values.
Don’t: Overuse quotes or imagery without context or action.
Remember, actions speak louder than words, and your audience will notice the difference.
What Activities Should I Avoid?
While planning your MLK Day observance, steer clear of the following:
Performative Acts: Avoid superficial gestures that lack substance or connection to your business values.
Insensitive Content: Misinterpreting Dr. King’s words or reducing his legacy to clichés can alienate your audience.
Tokenism: Highlighting employees of color solely for MLK Day can come across as exploitative.
Instead, focus on genuine, impactful actions that reflect Dr. King’s vision for equity and justice.
Will Celebrating MLK Day Negatively Impact My Business?
Observing MLK Day is unlikely to harm your business. On the contrary, it can strengthen your brand by demonstrating your commitment to DEI, social responsibility, and community engagement. According to C Space’s DEI ThinkTank, businesses with authentic DEI practices enjoy increased customer loyalty, employee engagement, and financial performance.
In a political climate where DEI initiatives face challenges, celebrating MLK Day also signals resilience and leadership. As Dr. King said, “The time is always right to do what is right.”
Taking Action: Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than a holiday—it’s a call to action for individuals and businesses alike. Whether you choose to close your doors, organize community service, or educate your team, the goal is to honor Dr. King’s vision in a way that aligns with your values.
At About Stewart, we’re here to help you take meaningful steps toward growth and impact. Schedule a free 15-minute introductory call to explore how we can support your business.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day not just as a moment in history but as a foundation for a brighter, more equitable future. Let’s build that future together.
