Monday begins a week of events that honor one of the most celebrated men in American history.

But not with a day off from work, school and regular mail service. The week that’s meant to honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of giving back.

Beginning with Monday’s day off from classes, the coming week is filled with chances to make this community better.

Minority Student Services has created several volunteering opportunities of which students should take advantage. A chance to serve at the Isabella County soup kitchen, to donate warm clothing to help needy people brave winter and to educate the next generation about the legacy of King should not be overlooked.

Of course, there are other events meant to honor King. Monday’s Unity March is an opportunity for students and community members to declare their support for one another, as well as stand up against the ignorance some people still harbor toward others.

The Peace Breakfast on Monday morning will provide students education and a meal to celebrate King’s accomplishments.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson will speak Tuesday in Rose Arena, possibly to change some minds about diversity at this university and in this country.

While these events are important, King’s spirit – his purpose in life and the best way to remember him today – is through service to others. This is an opportunity to remember the sacrifice of one man, and all those who stood with him, by working hard to continue his example of making the world a better place, rather than waiting and hoping for it to happen while doing nothing.

With the multitude of events planned for the coming week, students and community members easily can find a way to make some small impact in the lives and situations of others.

And there are plenty of other ways to take a break from making a difference and celebrate the ideals of the Civil Rights Movement.

Regardless of how students choose to celebrate MLK Week, they should make a point to do so. While many at CMU are members of a majority not directly a part of the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement, all of us can learn from the ideals, the solidarity and the devotion to a message of freedom that King and others epitomized.

On Monday, don’t just relax.

Think about those who came before and what they stood for.

Make them proud.

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