Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy: United Way NCA Turns Reflection Into Action

Every January, we return to the words, the wisdom and the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King believed change is built through action—through people choosing, again and again, to serve one another.

“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.” – Dr. Martin Luther King 

Those words, shared during MLK’s Days of Service by Dr. Nicole M. Cooper at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s MLK Commemoration, framed what unfolded across the National Capital Area: days of service, leadership and collective care that reflected Dr. King’s vision in real time.

Across campuses and community spaces, volunteers and leaders came together to turn reflection into impact.

Leadership and Lived Experience: Dr. Nicole Cooper at Johns Hopkins

MLK’s days of service were kicked off by United Way of the National Capital Area’s (United Way NCA) own Dr. Nicole M. Cooper, Chief External Affairs and Transformation Officer, taking the stage Jan. 16 at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s Annual MLK Commemoration to reflect on equity, health and the systems that shape opportunity.

“When I think of the word ‘impact,’ I think of action, connection and a contact or touch point that affects a person or thing to the extent of change,” Dr. Cooper said.

Dr. Cooper shared her personal journey growing up in Northeast D.C., witnessing firsthand how health outcomes are shaped not by genetics, but by geography.

“Simply put, the health of my community was suffering not because of their genetic code, but because of their ZIP code,” Dr. Cooper said.

Dr. Cooper’s reflection illustrates the generational cost of inequity. Her own path, made possible through philanthropy, showed what happens when opportunity meets investment.

“When philanthropy is intentional and equitable, it does more than fund an immediate need,” Dr. Cooper said. “It lifts individuals, families and whole communities into a more secure footing.”

Today, that belief shapes her work at United Way NCA, strengthening systems that advance healthy communities, youth opportunity, financial stability and opportunity for ALICE families across Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Partnering with Howard University Men’s Basketball and &Pizza

Community impact continued as United Way NCA partnered with the Howard University Men’s Basketball team and &Pizza to pack care packages for students across the DC region. United Way NCA supporter and volunteer Chol’e Gadson shared:

“Some people may look at the outside and say, ‘Oh, it’s just notebooks and things like that,’ but I feel like that one little thing can change somebody’s life.”

Each kit represents dignity, respect, readiness and belief in the rising generation providing equitable and accessible opportunity to youth across our region.

MLK Mid-Year Stuff the Bus

Later in the week, United Way NCA hosted its MLK Mid-Year Stuff the Bus, bringing together volunteers, corporate partners and staff to pack and distribute supplies to students and teachers across the region.

For United Way NCA staff, the urgency was clear.

“Not only our students, our families, but our educators are in need and we’re making sure we fill that gap,” United Way NCA Senior Manager of Corporate Relations Kevin Magby shared. “These are not leftover items. We’re breaking open brand new boxes. These are items the students need.”

For CEO Rosie Allen-Herring, this moment reflected something deeper.

“Knowing the supplies being bagged here… it really helps ALICE families, because it’s one less thing they need to worry about,” Allen-Herring said.

ALICE households—families who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed—often earn too much to qualify for assistance, yet still struggle to afford basic necessities.

“This is an opportunity for families not to worry about these basic needs,” she shared. “But it’s also an opportunity for them to know someone cares about them.”

Carrying the Vision Forward

Dr. King dreamed of a beloved community, one rooted in justice, compassion and shared responsibility.

From students receiving supplies, to volunteers finding connection and leaders calling for systemic change, every moment reflected a truth shared by Dr. Cooper: “Impact is not a single initiative. It is a commitment.”

At United Way NCA, equity is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to improving the healthy communities, youth opportunity  and financial stability of every neighbor.

As we move from MLK Day into Black History Month, this work carries even greater meaning.

Black history is not only about the past—it is about the systems we build now, the opportunities we create and the communities we choose to invest in.

Service is not a moment. It’s a movement and there is a place for everyone in it.

Whether you volunteer, give, advocate, or partner with us, your involvement helps strengthen schools, stabilize families and advance equity across the National Capital Area.