University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) students gathered on Monday, Jan. 19 to give back to the community in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. by participating in MLK’S Beloved Community, an annual event that provides Blazers with an opportunity to serve alongside the Leadership and Service Council.

MLK’s Beloved Community not only honors the memory and legacy of Dr. King, but the event also provides UAB students an opportunity to join forces with local citizens to empower and strengthen our community.

“Having the opportunity to immerse myself in and the ability to serve a community with others in mind enabled me to think profoundly and encourage others about MLK's emphasis on the Beloved Community,” said Edgar Martinez, a senior, theatre major.

Throughout the day, 235 Blazers carried out acts of service alongside 13 different community partners, including the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, Bundles of Hope, and New Beginnings United Methodist Church.

“Being able to volunteer at the Lovelady Thrift Store on MLK Day was an impactful experience. I was able to help women and children in need through the items I helped sort,” said Kali Patel, a sophomore, Biology major.

Some services Blazers provided include picking up trash, landscaping improvements, painting, putting together furniture and sorting through clothes. The Blazers accomplished a total of 470 service hours, resulting in an economic impact of $13,413.50.

For information regarding UAB’s volunteer work and service opportunities, click here.