“Dr. King was a man of action, a man of impact – and today is a celebration and reminder that the work continues, and we must push forward the ideas and vision that he held so valuable. On this day, I encourage all Marylanders to rededicate themselves to the unfinished work of Dr. King in building a society of brotherhood, service, equality, and love,” said Gov. Wes Moore. ”I am proud that our administration is upholding Dr. King’s legacy of service, with the launch of the first in the nation Service Year Option, as we help our young people envision a better future for themselves and show up for our communities in need.”

Governor Moore, First Lady Moore and their children joined 40 volunteers at the Break A Difference warehouse in Baltimore to assemble welcome kits and to create comfort blankets for people who are moving into transitional housing and constructing bicycles for youth who are without access to reliable transportation. Break A Difference engages individuals and institutions through service to make positive impacts in communities and on those who serve. Currently, the organization participates as a host to Service Year Option, Maryland Corps, and AmeriCorps members. 

Lt. Gov. Miller and Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation Secretary Paul Monteiro joined volunteers and Maryland Corps members at Talisman Therapeutic Riding in Queen Anne’s County. Talisman serves veterans, people with disabilities, and people with mental health challenges through the transformative and healing power of horses, equine-assisted activities, and enriching outdoor experiences.

“Dr. King valued service as a tool to strengthen our communities,” said Lt. Gov. Miller. “Today, our administration is honoring his legacy by taking part in service projects across the state. The Moore-Miller Administration remains committed to building a nation-leading service agenda and our work today deepens our mission to make Maryland the state that serves.”

Throughout the day, Moore-Miller Administration cabinet secretaries also served in various capacities in locations across the state, including Columbia Community Care in Howard County; Maryland Food Bank in Baltimore County; City of Refuge in Baltimore City; and the Prathertown Community Development Corporation in Montgomery County. 

“We are proud that many of this year’s projects were organized by Service Year Option, Maryland Corps, and AmeriCorps members who serve Maryland today and every day as they dedicate themselves to serving others,” said Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation Secretary Paul Monteiro. “Today’s projects demonstrated diverse service across the state, showing that everyone can give back.”

“Bringing people together for the greater good of our communities is at the heart of what we do here at United Way,” said United Way of Central Maryland President and Chief Executive Officer Franklyn Baker. “The impact made today will go a long way to help our fellow Marylanders – and we hope this is just the beginning for any of our first-time volunteers to step up and help others throughout the year.”

This morning, Governor Moore also delivered remarks at the 43rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast in Bethesda hosted by the Alpha Scholarship and Charitable Foundation and the Iota Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The event honors the legacy of Dr. King while raising merit and need-based scholarship funds for Maryland students. 

The National Action Network honored Governor Moore later this morning with the MLK Day Visionary Award at their annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast. National Action Network, founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the nation with chapters across the U.S.

To end the day, the governor joined members of the Maryland General Assembly to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the tree planted on the south lawn of the State House in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Planted on January 12, 1984, the marker honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s memory is on the corner between School Street and Francis Street.