BLOG:   Students Spend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Noble

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a day set aside to celebrate, remember, and honor the person and work of Dr. King, Jr., is earmarked by Congress as a National Day of Service. 

So, on Jan. 16, eight students from IUPUI (several of whom had never met one another before that day) came together to see what they could “do” at Noble’s Broad Ripple location. Kailey, Sammy, Stacey, Amy, Amy, Sarah, Joe, and Kiko spent a couple of hours with the people served by Noble: creating placemat masterpieces, visiting, joking, and simply enjoying each other's company. What was most striking about these students was the fact that they were all genuinely excited to be there and be of service. There was no hesitation or reservation; they just “did” – and everyone involved seemed to really enjoy themselves.

As we think about Dr. King, and the work he accomplished and inspired in others, it is important to remember that the reality of Civil Rights goes beyond race. It is a reality that should transcend socio-economic status, education, geography, intellect, capabilities, and any other pseudo barrier that threatens equality. Each of us advance Dr. King’s vision when we “do” what we can to create opportunities for our people with disabilities to live meaningful lives. When volunteers come to Noble to help further our mission, it is because they see the benefit to our community. They may only be with us for a brief amount of time, but they will take the mission of Noble with them when they leave – spreading the word and creating awareness about what we do and who we serve; all the while allowing Dr. King’s dream to endure.