I was recently road-tripping in the Southern U.S. and I visited the National Civil Rights Museum, located in Memphis at the former Lorraine Motel, where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4,1968. Outdoors you can see the hotel as it looked in 1968, with period vehicles parked in front, and a wreath hanging on the balcony of room 306, where Dr. King stood as the assassin’s bullet struck. Being there was at the same time incredibly sad, yet also inspiring.
For the month of Dr. King’s birthday and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, falling on the third Monday of January, I’ve chosen books by people who have dedicated themselves to serving others.
- A new universal dream : my journey from Silicon Valley to a life in service to humanity by Steve C. Farrell. In the 1990s, Farrell co-founded two technology companies based in Silicon Valley. This is the inspiring story of Steve's journey from pursuing wealth and traditional ideas of success toward a more fulfilling life of caring and service to others and humanity.
- A mission without borders : why a father and son risked it all for the people of Ukraine by Chad Robichaux. Former marine Robichaux tells of his aid efforts in Ukraine. Following Russia’s 2022 invasion, he and his son Hunter headed to Ukraine with an organization that aids Americans and allies in war-torn countries.
- No ghosts in the graveyard : the lifetime adventures of a small-town Oregon boy by Bob Crites. In the early 1950s, Bob and his triplet siblings didn't know the word "homeless"; he thought they were living an adventure camping in the woods with their young mother. As an adult, he set out to make a difference in the world. Follow his funny, sometimes sad, always interesting adventures as he saves lives, almost gets killed, and makes a world of difference.
- World citizen : journeys of a humanitarian by Jane Olson. During journeys to war zones and places of extreme poverty and disease over decades, the author meets survivors who inspire hope, despite unimaginable suffering. Intimate details and beautiful photos illustrate that all lives are valuable and equally deserving of protection and support.
- The World Central Kitchen cookbook : feeding humanity, feeding hope by José Andrés. WCK shares recipes inspired by the many places they've cooked following disasters with inspiring narratives from the chefs and volunteers on the front lines. It is a celebration of dignity and perseverance--and about building longer tables, not higher walls.
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