Editorial Team
Martin Luther King Jr. holiday (or MLK Day) and its cultural significance in terms simple enough for kids. It is important to celebrate the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and find ways to apply his teachings into our everyday lives and the lives of our children.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the famous American civil rights leader who dedicated his life to achieving equality for people of all colors. Dr. King’s message of peace and justice touched many Americans.
Hence, the national holiday that remembers him is a time to learn about the history and reflect on some valuable messages that are still meaningful today.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the third Monday in January, near Dr. King’s birthday on January 15. Although MLK Day is a federal holiday, it is designed as “a day on, not a day off,” says Sarah Hamilton, a social impact consultant.
“This is a day of service that helps to strengthen communities, bridge barriers, address social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community,” says Hamilton.
Dr. King wrote, spoke, marched, and stood up for what he believed in.
“What is unique about MLK Day compared to other federal holidays is that it is the only holiday designated as a national day of service,” says Hamilton says. “MLK Day not only honors the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but it encourages all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.”
Also, the holiday serves as an opportunity to educate and demand social justice in real and tangible ways.
Founder of the Your Parenting Mojo podcast Jen Lumanlan finds that there is still very little understanding among many people and parents.
Talking to Kids About Civil Rights
A significant difference between the movement Dr. King led in the 1960s and that of recent years is that today, we see families from all races supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.
In addition, our experts agree: children can comprehend conversations about civil rights. As parents, we might have a desire to protect kids from uncomfortable conversations, especially those about people doing things we might wish hadn’t happened.
Granted, children today are aware of the protests following the George Floyd killing because it resonated with many young people of all races. Nearly 1 in 5 members of generation Alpha have taken part in a march or protest on an issue they care about.
“The schools we enroll our children in, the ways we advocate for our children, and the opportunities we make available to them have very real consequences that reproduce inequalities.”
– Jen Lumanan, founder of YOUR PARENTING MOJO
Quotes for Children
Freeman A. Hrabowski III, Ph.D., is an author, advocate, and president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He was just 12 years old when Dr. King came to his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, to prepare children, like him, to march peacefully in protest for their civil rights.
Here are a few famous quotes from Dr. King to recite and talk about with children:
“Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon. Indeed, it is a weapon unique in history, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it.”
“We are not makers of history. We are made by history.”
MKL Jr. Day Activities for Kids
There are many things to consider when teaching our children about Dr. King and the day we remember his legacy. In fact, start by sharing why we celebrate Dr. King and what his life and actions have done to better our current world. Here are a few suggestions from our experts for children of all ages:
- Read Books About him.
So many great stories have been written to teach about Dr. King and the civil rights movement. So, find a comfortable and safe way to tell Dr. King’s story to your kids in an age-appropriate way.
- Watch movies with themes of racial injustice.
Lessons and stories of social justice played out on film will resonate with the latest generation. They are comfortable with the action and taking what they believe to be rightfully theirs.
- Discuss with the intent to listen.
Have a conversation about what you all read and watched. Explain in an age-appropriate way what life seemed like for Black children when Dr. King was alive. More importantly, encourage your children to explain why the world is a better place because of Dr. King.
- Brainstorm ways your family can make a difference.
Specifically, remind kids that Dr. King worked hard and was willing to give of himself to benefit a cause. You can choose a specific cause that interests your kids and give back together.
Get more inspiration on ways to serve by visiting the AmeriCorps MLK Day of Service website and searching for volunteer opportunities in your community.
- Reiterate the importance of education.
During the Civil Rights Movement, an entire generation learned the importance of getting an education to eradicate systemic racism, explains Dr. Hrabwoski.
Dr. Hrabwoski concludes with an exciting thought:
“Initiatives such as the Children’s Crusade empowered young people to believe they had a role to play in solving the challenges of racism in our society. Today’s generation of children and young people are fighting to be heard.”
Indeed, MLK Day serves as an opportunity for our society to celebrate Dr. King’s teachings, educate children on racial injustice, and remind parents to listen to the voices of young people.
Read the full article by Christine Carter on Parents.com.