On the weekend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, over 1,200 volunteers gathered in Atlanta’s historic Westside to honor his enduring legacy of justice, equality, and service. Westside Future Fund’s 2025 MLK Day of Service showcased the power of collective action, inspired by Dr. King’s vision of a future built on opportunity and equity for all.

Dr. King’s connection to the Westside is profound. It was here, in this vibrant community, that he lived, worked, and learned — walking its streets and envisioning a brighter, more just tomorrow. The 2025 Day of Service brought together neighbors, partners, and supporters with a shared commitment to turning that vision into meaningful action.

Through the generous support of our presenting sponsor, The Home Depot, and the leadership of the Westside Future Fund team, volunteers took on impactful projects that left a lasting mark. Public spaces were revitalized, beautiful gardens were planted, and transformative projects on school campuses within the Washington cluster created warm and welcoming environments for students, parents and staff alike. The team effort among volunteers from across Atlanta highlighted the unifying force of community service.

“It was amazing to see so many people come out and support not only our students but our parents, our teachers, and our school community as a whole,” said Dr. Teruko Dobashi, principal of M. Agnes Jones Elementary School. “I think it’s really important for our students to have access to people who look like them, who may not look like them, showing them how to pour into a community so that they can take that and lead and do the same. We’re all about paying it forward here.”

Throughout the day, individuals from diverse backgrounds came together with a common purpose: to answer Dr. King’s enduring question, “What are you doing for others?” The dedication, energy, and compassion shown by volunteers reflected the very principles Dr. King championed and underscored the strength of collective action in creating a thriving community.

“Giving back as a general matter is important because we are very lucky people,” said Cristina Graham of Morris, Manning, & Martin, LLP. “The people that you’re looking at here have done great things in life and in order to support our communities and give back for the blessings that we’ve received, it’s so critical to make sure that we help others that need it.”

The 2025 MLK Day of Service was a powerful reminder of the ties that bind neighbors together and the shared responsibility to build a community where everyone can succeed.

Westside Future Fund extends deep gratitude to every volunteer, partner, and sponsor who contributed to the success of this day. Each act of service carried forward Dr. King’s dream and continues to transform Atlanta’s historic Westside into a place of pride, progress, and opportunity — a community Dr. King would be proud to call home.

“The work that we do is so place-based. Everything we do at Westside Future Fund is in these Westside neighborhoods,” said Rachel Carey, Chief Real Estate Officer at Westside Future Fund. “This is an important community for us to nurture, to pour into and to get back from that in the fulfillment of the work that we do.”

The journey of building stronger communities and uplifting neighbors does not end with a single day. Honoring Dr. King’s legacy means committing to service and transformation every day. 

“Our second semester vision is a degree above the rest,” said Dr. Dobashi. “And that’s what Westside Future Fund is: a degree above the rest. Because they came out and showed out today, and every day that they’ve been here.”

Learn more about Westside Future Fund and how to get involved by visiting westsidefuturefund.org.