Concorde's DC Met Leadership students joined numerous students from American University and other community groups honor Dr. Martin Luther King by dedicating their Saturday to a day of city-wide service in Washington, D.C.
Among the various projects offered, DCML students took part in three particular projects:
1) Youth Engagement at UPO Power - DCML students spent time with high school freshmen from the Anacostia area at Petey Greene UPO Community Center, a multi-track youth program that provides academic support and college prep to students. DCML students worked with their younger peers putting together weather kits (i.e. ponchos, solar blankets, etc...) for the homeless. While engaged in this charitable task, dialogue was stirred on topics such as college aspirations and career hopes. DCML students offered a listening ear to their own peers, many living in the same areas, while affirming the possibility of making a better life for themselves as long as they remain diligent and focus in school.
2) Community Advocacy at The Women's Collective - Students had the privilege to accompany a predominantly group of female AU college students to The Women's Collective. Located in Northeast D.C., The Women's Collective is a non-profit that provides public health and supportive services to all women in the community. The students participated in activities in learning more about the value of women's health advocacy and safety. Following, they put their acting skills to use by assisting the center in putting together a Public Service Announcement regarding HIV/AIDS testing.
3) Beautification at A Wider Circle - In the fight against poverty, students assisted in rearranging and prepping furniture as well as essential items to be distributed out to families and individuals in poverty that are transitioning into stable housing. A Wider Circle provides basic needs such as clothing, food and household items to over 1,000 families and individuals a year. Serving at their Silver Springs location, DCML students physically showed their support by pitching in a helping hand to move around heavy furniture that will be soon sitting in dwellings of families in need.
After following their service projects, students returned to AU and provided lunch, courtesy of GP Connect. Afterwards, participated in a powerful peace concert was performed by the Cornell West Theory, a spoken word music group articulating messages of harmony and justice through music.
MLK once said that "everybody can be great, because anybody can serve." DCML students greatly served their community by simply offering their gift of time and participating in their projects with full efforts. It was an outstanding day in which testified to MLK's call to this country in serving one another with dignity and respect.
