Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service 2026: Building a Beloved Community

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s global vision of a Beloved Community is possible only if each person continues to understand Dr. King's legacy and reflect on the responsibilities they have to uphold within their own community. On Monday, January 20, 2025, Rectory School's annual Day of Service welcomed guest speakers Tanasia Lea, Anne Miller, and Clara Dowdle '23 to share ways students can get involved and become proactive citizens who contribute to the creation of a Beloved Community through understanding and community service.

Tanasia Lea: Finding Strength in Identity

Tanasia Lea is a diversity, equity, and inclusion strategist who works with schools and other organizations to build cultures and communities grounded in diversity, inclusion, and equity. She is currently the Director of Student Belonging and Wellness at Francis W. Parker School, a K-12 school in California, and previously held a similar role at Cheshire Academy, where she worked with current Head of School Julie Anderson. Julie shared a beautiful introduction during assembly and shared the special bond they have, as their relationship has evolved from teacher-to-student toward a professional colleague-to-colleague partnership. Julie has been part of Tanasia's community and has witnessed her grow into a passionate advocate for schools in the New England Independent School Network while building an impressive finance career at the financial services company, Bridgewater Associates, LLC. Tanasia is also an Olympic Development-level track and field athlete known for her triple jump. She is a three-time champion and the active record holder for Puerto Rico. Her complete trophy case and accolades can be found on her website, www.tanasialea.com.

Tanasia shared a story about a time when stereotypes and invisible rules questioned her heritage and identity. For all her life, she looked up to her bisabuela,  a fashion entrepreneur, and her abuelo, a lawyer whose fight for the recognition of Three Kings Day in New Haven, CT is due to his passion for rights. To this day, her abuela inspires her, who at the age of 80, traveled to the North Pole by herself. These trailblazing Puerto Ricans were her world, so when another Puerto Rican student questioned how she could truly call herself Puerto Rican when she doesn't speak Spanish fluently, she felt broken. To Tanasia, the scar is still fresh—in part because it was true. "There are times I have had to ask my family to slow down," Tanasia said. "I may even say to them, 'I don't understand what you are saying to me.'" This alone hurts tremendously, never mind being questioned by your own people. This story taught students that Dr. King meant more than racial equality, but treating each other with humanity and fostering an inclusive community with a sense of belonging for everyone. 

Perhaps this is why Tanasia's Puerto Rican pride became one of her greatest strengths. Tanasia recognized that each person has a unique story, and the fact that she didn't grow up on the island did not take her culture away from her. She became a fierce competitor, graduating from Williams College as a three-time NCAA national champion and 12-time All-American. She was also the recipient of the Nell C. Jackson Award from the National Association for Girls and Women in Sports. She forged her own path and beams with Puerto Rican pride as the current triple jump record holder. Her work now involves creating and building communities so her own two children can live in a world that loves the humanity in each of them. 

Throughout the day, students attended workshops to explore the communities they are most passionate about. Anne Miller, former Executive Director of TEEG—a nonprofit organization that provides assistance and support to families in the communities of Northeast Connecticut—talked about food insecurity and shared what challenges our own community faces. Many students shared the same takeaway from the conversation with Anne. "I was surprised to learn that rural communities like ours actually have a higher percentage of food insecurity than urban areas," said Alan Y. '27. Access to food and assistance is limited and can be miles away, so without public transportation, it can be difficult to find the help needed.

Clara Dowdle '23 was also featured as one of the workshop presenters; her focus was to show students that the best time to make a difference is now. Age should not be a barrier to community service or fostering a Beloved Community, and she has practiced this for much of her young life. Clara was one of the main drivers of Rectory's community service efforts in the local community. For her capstone project, she worked with the African Community Education (ACE) based in Worcester, Massachusetts. It is one of the largest hubs for African refugees, and she led the charge for students to travel there on weekends to help with English lessons and tutoring. She also shared her experience in the "Daughters of Anarchy," a spinoff biking challenge that she created with her sister when they learned that the PMC bike ride was not for kids. The Pan-Mass Challenge is a major fundraising event for cyclists, but Clara knew from a young age that it's not about the amount of money you raise, but the cause you are doing it for. "I learned that community service means that you can donate your time," said one student after their workshop with Clara. 

Tanasia's workshop focused on the invisible rules perpetuated by stereotypes and how they are barriers to a Beloved Community. Where was the rule that said she was not Puerto Rican because her Spanish was not perfect? There is no such rule, so the P.A.U.S.E. Method was introduced to provide a framework for students to respond to similar situations they may face in their lives. P is to pause and pay attention, “What just happened,” and “Did an invisible rule or stereotype show up here?” A is to acknowledge the feeling, which could be anger, sadness, or feeling left out. U is to uncover the hidden message, “What meaning did I make of this?” or “Does this connect to a rule like ‘people like me aren’t supposed to…’” S is to steady yourself and shift, one slow breath in and one slow breath out, then remind yourself that you can handle this. After you have steadied yourself, “What do I want people to know about me right now?” E is to explore choices and choose your next move. “What would help right now?” or “Do I want to speak up, ask a question, get support, or let this go?” Tanasia ended by telling us that noticing the invisible rules will help us to not be controlled by them and respond to stereotypes that will create the space to create a more beloved community. 

A Student-Driven Approach to Community Service

The day concluded with time for each advisory group to reflect, allowing the day's information to settle and identifying some takeaways. This is much different than years past, when students would actually be assigned to various community service activities like helping at the soup kitchen, singing at Seely Brown, or baking cupcakes for Meals on Wheels. Instead, students submitted a proposal for a community service project that is meaningful to them. Students are required to commit two hours of community service to the cause or organization they feel passionate about. Some of the essential questions of the day helped to solidify the message. Below, you will find what students had to say about the Annual Day of Service tradition at Rectory.

Student Reflections

Share a takeaway you have from today.

"Community service also means that you can give your time, not just your money." —Kailee Y. '27

"If you know what organization you want to help, it is important to reach out ahead of time to ask what or when they need you." —Matthew T. '27

"There are things that we can't know about people, things that we cannot see from the outside." —David C. '28

"People who are not as privileged as us are so close to us." —Bitna K. '27

What is a Beloved Community to you?

"A place you can be yourself." —Mia C. '26

"Where everyone feels acceptance." —Katy S. '27

"Where everyone can be friendly with each other, add to each other's conversations, and grow from arguments or differences rather than let them stir." —Mrs. Rodman's advisory

How can you live out Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s message each day?

"Be kind. Open doors for others and ask them how their day is going." —CJ G. '27

"Give simple compliments." —Miley L. '26

"Smile." —Mana E. '26