Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than a commemoration—it is a call to act. Dr. King reminded us that dignity, justice, and community are built through service and shared responsibility. One powerful way to honor his legacy is by caring for the places that connect us every day, our sidewalks, streets, parks, and neighborhood gathering spaces.
As a native Angeleno who formerly experienced homelessness, that chapter of my life shaped how I understand systems, compassion, and responsibility. I know what it feels like to be unseen—and how transformative it is when someone shows up with consistency and care.
Today, as a local delegate in South LA and through my work with Rising Communities, I focus on creating that same sense of care for others. Our programs organize community cleanups, educate residents, support policies that prevent future litter, and plant trees and gardens to beautify our neighborhoods.
This work has restored pride, reduced litter, and strengthened our communities. It has also earned us recognition as an official designated Clean California Community—a milestone that reflects sustained engagement and acknowledges those doing the work on the ground to create cleaner and healthier communities.
Organizations interested in following a similar path can also take the Clean California Community Designation pledge. The pledge signifies a promise to uphold the principles of the Clean California program through collective action, from organizing cleanups and engaging youth to building partnerships that keep neighborhoods clean, safe, and vibrant.
Participating communities receive recognition across Clean California channels, partner outreach, and have early access to grant opportunities. The process is straightforward, and many communities across California have taken the pledge and achieved the designation. Learn more and sign the pledge today at https://cleanca.com/designation/.
Dr. King spoke of building a “Beloved Community,” grounded in justice, shared responsibility, and love in action. I see glimpses of that vision at every cleanup—neighbors working side by side, music playing, laughter mixing with hard work, and people realizing they have the power to transform their surroundings together.
This year let’s honor Dr. King not only with words, but with action: care for the places you call home, show up for your neighbors, and help build a cleaner, safer, more vibrant Los Angeles for the next generation.
Learn more and take the Clean California pledge at CleanCA.com/designation.
Keith Crenshaw is a Los Angeles native, community leader, and local delegate at Rising Communities. He works with Rising Communities to lead neighborhood cleanups, strengthen local partnerships, and help advance long-term community pride through the Clean California Community Designation program. Keith founded The Crenshaw Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to homeless advocacy and operations rooted in lived experience. For more information visit TheCrenshaw.org. Today, he is also a full-time musician and community advocate committed to building cleaner, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods across Los Angeles.