The nation pauses to remember the life of legendary civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on Monday, Jan. 20. King Day serves to honor a man who helped facilitate the civil rights movement in Birmingham  – a city considered a hotbed of political activity in the 1960’s with civil rights marches, demonstrations and protests. In the spirit of serving and helping others, Jan. 20 has been designated a day of service. The Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) will hold several events to commemorate the holiday in honor of his legacy. Volunteers with the Magic City Chapter and Gorgas chapter will hold tree plantings, while in south Alabama, the Southeast (Farley) chapter will hold a school cleanup. Here’s a snapshot of some projects taking place across the state:

• Magic City chapter (Birmingham area), Good Roots project, Oak Ridge Park in Birmingham, plant trees
• Miller chapter (Cordova area), Good Roots project, Cordova Cane Creek, plant trees
• Southern chapter (Montgomery), partnership with Hands On River Region, hygiene kits for the homeless
• Southeast-Farley chapter (Eufaula area), partnership with Eufaula Barbour County Chamber, various Barbour County schools, assist with school cleanups

In addition to projects, several cities will also commemorate the King holiday with an annual Unity Breakfast and various marches. King Day has been described by leaders of volunteer organizations as one of the largest days of service throughout the year. King, who was assassinated in 1968, would have been 85 years old this year.