Meet Keimani Leonard, a Tahoma High School sophomore who has been selected as one of this year’s five interns with the Seattle Martin Luther King, Jr. Organizing Coalition (SMLKOC). The Coalition is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year, Keimani and her peer interns will be charged with leading a youth-centered project in celebration of MLK, Jr. Day on January 16, 2023, as well as helping to plan and promote the weekend’s festivities like the march, rally, job fair, community meal and civic-minded workshops put on by the organization.
“Their whole purpose is just really inspiring to me,” Keimani said about why she decided to join the Coalition. “They make it a place that is open to the entire community and focused on Dr. King, not just for one day, but throughout the year.”
And although MLK Day is only one weekend out of the year, Keimani is excited to be involved in planning the large-scale celebration that MLK Day deserves. “There is a rally, there are people and performers, and so much more that goes into it, so people can really get the idea of what MLK Day is all about.” She adds, “This is something we should be recognizing.”
The internship is an opportunity for student-leaders to engage with community civil rights leaders, activists and mentors. “There are elders there, which makes it a little bit intimidating. The people who work there have been doing this for so long, and because I’m only 15, it makes it a little intimidating to actually speak my mind,” Keimani shared. “But as interns, we are there for a reason. One thing I’m going to try to do at the next meeting is to speak up and speak my mind.”
“Our high school and District are so proud of Keimani for earning this opportunity,” said Tony Davis, Director of Equity and Family Partnerships. “We’re excited for her to highlight the importance of Dr. King’s message and the lasting impact of his work. Keimani will make a difference in our school and community, and we encourage students to seek out opportunities like this internship and others to make their voice heard.”
Keimani is just getting started in her role with the Seattle Martin Luther King, Jr. Organizing Coalition, but keep an eye out for her and the rest of the group at this year’s MLK Day celebration in Seattle.
