On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, communities across the nation paused to honor a leader whose moral vision continues to shape how we think about justice, dignity, and service. Dr. King’s timeless words — “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” — challenged Americans not only to remember his legacy, but to live it.

At Catholic Charities of New York, that question is answered every single day — in volunteers who arrive before sunrise to prepare pantry bags, in caseworkers who walk patiently alongside families through crisis, and in supporters who choose compassion in service of their neighbors. These acts of kindness — big and small — are what keep hope alive for our neighbors in need.

That same spirit of service, care, and community filled the Catholic Charities Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Community Center in Harlem on Monday for our Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

Senator Gillibrand Joins the Day of Service

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand made a special visit to the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Community Center during Catholic Charities’ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. While there, she volunteered alongside youth participants in the food pantry, helping to sort and pack food for neighbors in need, and later cheered from the sidelines as teams competed in the afternoon basketball tournament.

“I am very inspired,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I just want to thank these young men. We just packed groceries for community members. I want to thank all the leaders for making this possible.”

“I like how this community center is very caring and giving,” said one youth participant on the Hoop Haven basketball team when speaking with Senator Gillibrand. “Every time I come here to play basketball, they always have apples and water waiting for us.”

During her time at the Kennedy Center, Senator Gillibrand also toured the space, met with staff, and spent time with community members and families who benefit from the center’s programs year-round. Her visit underscored the importance of partnership between community organizations and public leaders in supporting Harlem’s young people and strengthening the neighborhoods they call home.

A Day Rooted in Reflection and Action

The program was anchored by Catholic Charities’ partnership with The Order of the Feather, a Harlem-based organization that has been mentoring and supporting young men since 1946. For nearly eight decades, The Order of the Feather has helped cultivate leadership, character, and a commitment to community — making their collaboration with Catholic Charities a natural extension of both organizations’ shared mission to uplift and empower youth.

Over breakfast, Eddie Silverio, Division Director of Alianza’s Youth Services for Catholic Charities Community Services, spoke about the importance of service — not as a single event, but as a lifelong commitment to community.

“In honor of Dr. King, we are going to prepare food baskets from our pantry for three hundred families in Harlem, because that’s what today is about,” said Mr. Silverio.

“It is so important that we understand what Dr. King stood for — and what Dr. King died for,” he continued. “We are living our dream because we want tomorrow to be different. We want tomorrow to be ours. We want tomorrow to be successful.”

Youth Leading the Way

Young people were at the heart of the day. They came together to serve, to learn, and to lift one another up. Throughout the late morning, participants rotated through three hands-on stations:

• Service in the Food Pantry, where they sorted and packed food for neighbors facing hunger.
• Dreams to Goals Workshop, designed to help youth think about their aspirations and the steps needed to achieve them.
• MLK Jeopardy, an engaging and interactive way to deepen their understanding of Dr. King’s life and legacy.

These activities weren’t just about doing good — they were about building confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.

Community, Competition, and Celebration

In the afternoon, the energy shifted to the gym for a spirited basketball tournament featuring teams from Kennedy Center Hoop Haven, High Bridge Cornerstone, La Plaza Beacon, and MOSAIC Beacon. Between games, participants enjoyed performances from the Order of the Feather Step Team, raffles and giveaways, and even free haircuts — creating a lively, joyful atmosphere that celebrated both community and culture.

The day concluded with a visit and photo opportunities with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg — a reminder of the broader community partnerships that make this work possible.

Carrying Dr. King’s Legacy Forward

More than anything, the day was a reminder that service builds connection, confidence, and belonging. Dr. King taught us that service is not a single moment — it is a way of living. Today, our youth showed us what that looks like in action.

As we reflect on this MLK Day, we pause together in gratitude for those who came before us, for the work that continues today, and for the young people who are already carrying this legacy forward. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, participated, and supported this meaningful day of service — and thank you for walking alongside our neighbors in need.