MLK Day of Service 2025 Focused on Digital Equity and Inclusion

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service in 2025 was marked by an inspiring and significant event focused on digital equity and community transformation. Hosted under the theme "I Have a Dream – Community Transformation Award & Digital Equity Forum," the event emphasized the importance of internet access and digital literacy for all Detroiters.

In attendance there were numerous organizations, including the Detroit Public Library, Cosma Coffee, Epic, and Forgin, all of which set up informational tables to engage with the community. The day featured a special lunch prepared by Pasta Bowl, and the Community Volunteer Leadership Council (CVLC), along with Councilmember Fred Durhal, Merit, AmeriCorps, and several other organizations, played essential roles in making the MLK Service Day 2025 a reality. The participation of Take My Hand youth volunteers was instrumental in hosting and servicing the event.

Jennifer Owenu, the Community Outreach and Engagement Manager at the City of Detroit Office of Digital Equity and Inclusion, emphasized the importance of digital literacy. She stated part of her role is to, "Make sure all Detroiters are aware of the opportunities the internet provides." Owenu further highlighted the transformative power of online resources, noting, "We know that the opportunities online are changing the trajectory of a lot of people's lives and careers."

Councilmember Fred Durhal echoed this sentiment, drawing attention to the barriers created by the digital divide. "One of the biggest barriers that divide us today is the access to information," Durhal said. He stressed the importance of internet access, "Folks don't have access to information because nowadays so much is found on our internet." Durhal also touched on the difference between equality and equity, explaining, "Equality is the ability to have access to the same thing that everyone else has, but equity ensures that folks sit at the table and create that access."

The event was the "Teaching Elders Computer and Help 'TECH' Initiative," coordinated by Deborah Chase, the Grandparent Chair at the CVLC. This initiative aimed to empower senior citizens with the digital skills necessary to navigate the modern, technology-driven world. The event featured a range of resources, workshops, and discussions about digital equity.

One participant, 65-year-old Kim Sherobbi, expressed her eagerness to learn about technology. Sherobbi candidly shared, "It's a lot that I need to know about technology." She acknowledged her concerns about being digitally behind and pondered, "if that's going to have an impact on my future and how much?" Her observations about her peers falling behind highlighted the urgency of addressing the digital divide, especially given the rise of cashless transactions.

"The digital divide is huge, it affects everybody, but it mostly effects Black and Brown people" says Dean Hendricks. The Hendricks Foundation, dedicated to bridging the digital divide, was a significant supporter of the event. Their mission aligns with the day's goals, ensuring that every individual has the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a digital world. The presence of organizations like Merit and AmeriCorps underscored the collaborative effort required to make strides in digital equity.

Highlighting the day's achievements was the presentation of the inaugural LaRon "Roe" Chase Community Transformation Award to Stanley J. Larry Jr. The award recognized Larry's outstanding contributions to fostering digital inclusion and community empowerment.

The MLK Day of Service 2025 was a remarkable testament to the power of community collaboration and the shared commitment to digital equity. The discussions, workshops, and presentations not only raised awareness about the digital divide but also empowered individuals with the knowledge and resources necessary to bridge this gap.

This event was a reminder of the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the importance of service in creating a just and equitable society. Detroit's MLK Day of Service 2025 collective efforts of the organizations demonstrated that digital equity is not just about access to the internet but ensuring every individual can fully participate in the opportunities it provides.