Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at Friends School stands as a powerful reflection of our dedication to the Quaker values of community and stewardship. Since 2004, this day has brought together hundreds of parents, employees, alumni, and students, all working side by side to make a positive impact on the Baltimore community. On Monday, January 20, 2025, we will come together once again for our 21st annual Day of Service, honoring Dr. King’s legacy through collective action and care for others.
This year, we are thrilled to welcome brothers Ali and Atman Smith as keynote speakers for our Day of Service. Both began their Friends School journey as students and are now current parents. Ali graduated from Friends in 1994 and Atman graduated from Dunbar High School, and both went on to attend the University of Maryland. Together with their college friend Andres Gonzalez, they co-founded the Holistic Life Foundation in 2001. The breakfast and speaking program will begin at 8:45 a.m. in the Dining Hall, and we encourage all to attend.
The Holistic Life Foundation, a BIPOC-led nonprofit in Baltimore, is dedicated to improving the social, emotional, educational, and environmental well-being of underserved communities. Their programs, which include yoga, mindfulness, and health initiatives, have reached over 200,000 people across 100 schools and communities nationwide and serve more than 5,000 students in Baltimore City Public Schools each week.
In 2022, Ali, Atman, and Andres published a book, “Let Your Light Shine: How Mindfulness Can Empower Children and Rebuild Communities”. In 2024, Baltimore Magazine named the trio "GameChangers." Their work has been featured on the Discovery Channel ‘Why We Hate’, Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and CBS, as well as in O, The Oprah Magazine, The Washington Post, Upworthy, Mindful Magazine, and many other publications. Ali and Atman will bring copies of their book for purchase and will be available to sign copies after breakfast.
Following the keynote, the Friends School Parents Association (FSPA) has organized a variety of service opportunities available asynchronously, virtually, on campus, and throughout Baltimore City with our partner organizations. To date, over 200 adults and children from our community have registered to serve organizations such as Art with a Heart, Believe in Tomorrow Children’s House, Broadmead, the Maryland Book Bank, Our Daily Bread, My Sister’s Place, and Paul’s Place.