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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 16, 2025
Los Angeles Unified Board of Education Approves Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. King and the National Day of Service
Los Angeles (Dec. 16, 2025) – Today, the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education approved the commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the National Day of Service. The district pledges to embed the lessons left behind by Dr. King on social justice and civil rights into its curriculum.
The resolution was authored by Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill and co-sponsored by Board President Scott Schmerlson, Board Vice President Dr. Rocio Rivas, Board Members Nick Melvoin, Karla Griego, and Tanya Ortiz Franklin.
“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. taught us that justice is achieved through service, nonviolence, and collective action, said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill. “As we honor his life and legacy during the upcoming MLK National Day of Service, we call on our school communities to turn remembrance into action by serving others and strengthening the bonds that unite us.”
“January is a time to reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring vision for justice, equality, and human dignity,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Los Angeles stands firm in upholding his legacy as a vital part of American history and through the National Day of Service.”
“During a time when America feels more divided than ever, it is crucial to remember and teach the message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. “The fight for justice continues, and I am continually inspired by our students and communities as they raise their voices on issues they care about. As we commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., let us keep asking ourselves what we have done lately in the name of justice.”
“Honoring Dr. King means more than remembering his words — it means living them through service, solidarity, and a commitment to justice for all,” said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. “The National Day of Service invites us to turn his vision into meaningful work in our communities.”
“Dr. King taught us that service is the path to a more just and compassionate world. By uplifting the MLK Day of Service, we’re encouraging our students, families, and staff to put those ideals into action,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “On January 19, 2026, we hope every school community will take part in meaningful volunteer activities that honor his legacy and strengthen our neighborhoods.”
“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed that education must prepare young people not only to succeed, but to serve and uplift their communities,” said Board Member Karla Griego, “by observing the MLK National Day of Service, we empower students to put the values of justice, compassion, and collective responsibility into practice through meaningful civic engagement.”
“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. continues to be an inspiration for all of us to champion racial equity and social justice, said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “It is particularly important in the continued political environment for us to reaffirm our commitment to social justice and protecting and supporting Black students, families, and staff in our schools and communities.”
“As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we recommit to the values he championed–justice, equity, dignity, and service. Guided by his dream, this resolution emphasizes that L.A. Unified rejects the current administration’s attempts to minimize or erase this history, including the recent action to eliminate free admission to national parks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, two federal holidays that honor Black history and the continual movement towards racial equity and liberation. Now more than ever, we must lead with service, stand together in purpose and continue carrying forward the light of hope for our shared future,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin.
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