Join VUOTS on January 19, 2026
At Temple University for MLK Jr. Day of Service with Global Citizen 365
VUOTS MLK Jr. 2026 Day of Service Project
MLK Jr. Day of Service 2026
VUOTS is proud to participate in the 2026 MLK Jr. Day of Service with Global Citizen 365. Join us at the Kids Carnival as we celebrate youth leadership, community care, and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This year, VUOTS will honor our MLK Jr. 2026 Honorees, Mrs. April Davis (Youth Advocate Honoree) and Lai’Onne Reeves (Youth Honoree), for their service, courage, and commitment to uplifting others. Families are invited to stop by the VUOTS table for activities with Pieces of Me Greeting Cards, painting, snacks, and youth-centered engagement.
Event Details
Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Temple University, Pearson & McGonigle Hall
1800 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 1912
We look forward to serving, celebrating, and building community with you.
MLK JR Day 2026 VUOTS: Honoring Legacy, & Celebrating Leader
VUOTS MLK JR. 2026 Youth Honoree:
VUOTS MLK JR. 2026 Youth Advocate Honoree:
VUOTS MLK JR. 2026 Youth Advocate Honoree:
Lai’Onne Reeves
Lai’Onne Reeves serves on the Youth Advisory Council, where she ensures that young people have a meaningful voice in shaping our programs and initiatives. Thoughtful, motivated, and deeply committed to mental health and community wellness, Lai’Onne consistently goes above and beyond to support her peers and uplift others.
She leads with compassion, confidence, and a purposeful desire to create change. Lai’Onne represents the next generation of leadership—her passion and courage beautifully reflect Dr. King’s values of service, unity, justice, and love.
VUOTS MLK JR. 2026 Youth Advocate Honoree:
VUOTS MLK JR. 2026 Youth Advocate Honoree:
VUOTS MLK JR. 2026 Youth Advocate Honoree:
Mrs. April Davis
Mrs. April Davis is being recognized for her advocacy, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to community healing and educational justice. Her work uplifting families, supporting youth, and strengthening neighborhood networks embodies Dr. King’s belief in service as a powerful force for transformation. Mrs. Davis leads with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to creating pathways of empowerment for others.
From 1776 to Now: North Philly Freedom Stories
🇺🇸 VUOTS Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary Through “North Philly: A Black Freedom Jawn”
As the nation prepares to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, VUOTS is honored to be part of this historic moment through our collaborative project, North Philly: A Black Freedom Jawn. This intergenerational initiative uplifts the stories, cultural legacy, and everyday brilliance of North Philadelphia—highlighting the powerful role Black communities have played in shaping the city and contributing to America’s evolving story.
Through youth-led research, oral histories, cultural mapping, neighborhood storytelling, and community engagement, VUOTS is helping young people explore the past, examine the present, and imagine the future of their neighborhoods. Our work ensures that the voices, memories, and lived experiences of North Philadelphia residents are recognized and celebrated during this milestone anniversary.
North Philly: A Black Freedom Jawn centers community pride, historical truth, and creative expression. As we approach the Semiquincentennial, VUOTS is proud to honor the resilience, leadership, and cultural impact of the communities we serve—making sure North Philly’s contributions are seen, valued, and included in the broader narrative of American history.
Together with our project partners, youth, elders, families, and neighborhood storytellers, VUOTS is excited to celebrate the 250th year by uplifting the legacy of Black freedom work in North Philadelphia and inspiring a new generation of thinkers, creators, and community builders.
Empowering Youth Through History
Empowering Voices: Youth Narratives for Educational Justice
Empowering Voices: Youth Narratives for Educational Justice is VUOTS’ newest project centered on lifting up the lived experiences of young people who are too often left out of conversations about education and opportunity. This initiative brings youth together through storytelling workshops, creative skill building, and documentary interviews that honor their truths and highlight the challenges they face in and beyond the classroom. By supporting young people as they shape and share their own narratives, VUOTS is amplifying youth leadership while pushing for a more just and equitable educational system. This work is part of our ongoing commitment to advocate for Black, Brown, and system-impacted youth and to build a future where their voices guide community change.
VUOTS SPONSORS
VUOTS Community Partners
