Martin Luther King, Jr talks about Muhammad Ali : Mission I: Love Keeps Us Going

MLK & Ali: Five Days of Courageous Service!

The Five Days of Courageous Service Coopetition (1/13 – 1/17) honors the magnificent lives of two of our most beloved Heavyweight Champions of Compassion, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) and Muhammad Ali. Join players and teams around the world by celebrating the birthdays of MLK and Ali by igniting their legacies of courageous service into action.

It is impossible to imagine what our world may look like had MLK and Muhammed Ali never been born. Dr. King gave voice and movement to both the pain and the dreams of billions of people around the planet, helping us understand that it is in our power to change ideas and unjust laws when we act together with compassion. Muhammad Ali is one of the most celebrated athletes of all time. He was “The Greatest” not simply because of his skill in the ring, but because of what his boxing matches stood for on behalf of the progress of human rights when doing so was not only unpopular, but dangerous. Muhammed Ali passed away in 2016, yet January 17th would have marked his 75th birthday.

Each of these men spoke to the importance of service above all else, and they lived that message with courage. Dr. King said: “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.” Muhammad Ali said: “Service is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.”

In that spirit, we warmly invite you and your community to join us in these Five Days of Courageous Service to make our world a more just, safe, and equitable place to live for all members of the Human Family!

Agents of Compassion! We have important news for you from Agent HQ... Let us use this moment to take a good look at the day. It may seem like an ordinary day, an “everyday” kind of day, some might say, but here’s the thing: it actually isn’t. It was on this very day, 87 years ago, that Martin Luther King Jr. was brought into the world. That’s right! Today is Dr. King’s birthday! It’s difficult to imagine what our world would be like if Dr. King was never born, if he never became the Civil Rights Leader and Humanitarian he is known for today. That’s what makes this day so special to all of us. Dr. King gave voice and movement to both the pain and the dreams of billions of people around the planet. He helped people understand that it was in their own power to help change ideas and unjust laws, and that change is achievable when we act together with compassion in unprecedentedly unified ways. Agents, Dr. King’s story is not over even though he is no longer physically with us. His story lives on through us, through the struggles and challenges we face today as a Human Family. It is our role in this story to carry the torch of compassion and progress, discovering how we can give our gifts to the world and find our unique place in the unfolding story of our time.

Our friend Kid President introduces the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the premise for Mission #1! In honor of Dr. King and his birthday, today’s mission is to treat everyone like it is THEIR OWN birthday! As Kid President so wisely points out, could there possibly be a better way to treat a person? People are kinder towards you, more thoughtful, more appreciative of your life simply because it is in the forefront of their minds in their otherwise busy lives.  In other words, we can honor the “Dr. King” within each of us as a way to celebrate his birthday with every person you interact with today, whether they know it or not! Tie a string to your finger - or make up some other symbol - to remind you of your mission to treat everyone today like it is their birthday in honor of Dr. King. Open doors for others, and let people go before you in line. Ask people how they are doing, and listen mindfully to their response. Make a meal for somebody, or volunteer to clean up after you eat! Make cards for people you care about, and spread the love to let that birthday spirit soar! (Want more ideas? Here is a link with some simple ideas to amplify the birthday spirit and spread kindness!)  I attended the MLK Day Prayer Breakfast and implemented all the mission with different people at the breakfast. Agents, remember... As you fulfill your mission, share your experiences on theCompassion Report Map! Your report inspires others, amplifying the power of your compassion and generosity! Good luck, Agents! Want to Go Deeper? Another great way to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King is gathering with others in song. Imagine the planet with many song rivers vibrating a pulse of harmonious peace together on Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday! Music has a unique power to transcend social barriers and illuminate connections. You can bring song to your family's dinner table, into your school's classrooms, on the streets in public spaces, or in senior living communities. Lead a sing-along in a homeless shelter, or a drum circle in the park. These ideas were inspired by the #MLKmusic project happening nationwide led by the Corporation for National and Community Service.