IHADLA Celebrates 2022 MLK Day of Service
In celebration of the 2022 MLK Day of Service, our Dreamer Scholars participated in various age-appropriate virtual activities throughout the day. Our 4th and 5th graders from Inglewood participated in two different activities. Some made greeting cards for kids with critical health conditions sent to Cards for Hospitalized Kids (CFHK). This internationally recognized charitable organization spreads hope, joy, and magic to hospitalized kids across America through uplifting, handmade cards. Prior to making the cards, students were involved in a discussion about who Dr. Martin Luther King was and the importance of celebrating this day of service in his honor and shared their dreams for a more just society.
Some participated in Minecraft March on Washington hosted by LA Works, where they enjoyed a narrated virtual tour of scaled-down landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol Building and immersed themselves in the historic 1963 March on Washington and Little Rock 9, all in the digital world of Minecraft. Students learned about many of the systemic challenges that individuals fought to eradicate during the march, interacted with non-player character versions of past and present activists, and built different structures that reflected their experience throughout the tour.
Our high school Dreamer Scholars from Boyle Heights and Watts, and their parents, participated in a Virtual Career/College Exploration Fair also hosted by LA Works. The event included numerous Zoom breakout sessions moderated by professionals from various backgrounds and other areas of interest, offered in both English and Spanish, including college and college alternatives, midlife career change, trade school, community college, financial aid, government, media/entertainment, healthcare, mental health, art, nonprofit, social services, business, finance, volunteering, etc.
With over 200 people in attendance, Dreamer Scholars and parents heard the stories and advice of professionals and community members from their POV. The Q&A format allowed panelists to share their experiences with attendees about choosing majors and careers, what a typical day in their job looks like, and inspirations and resources that helped them along their journey, much like our Dream Speaker presentations. Students were encouraged to share their goals with as many people as possible because connections and opportunities can arise even when they least expect it. We are incredibly grateful to LA Works for their fantastic support of our Dreamer Scholars and their parents. LA Works creates and leads programming to address critical issues and needs in Los Angeles by mobilizing targeted volunteer communities – family volunteers; corporate volunteers; general community volunteers; and older adult volunteers.