MLK Day for the kids
Why do we have off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and what can we do to honor his memory? Every year, our country celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday of January, which falls on or around his birthday. King was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Ga. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, TN. If he was alive today, he would turn 93 years old. King led an extraordinary life, and there are so many books about his life that I encourage you to read with your families.
He was an African American Baptist minister. He preached in front of congregations, similar to how Father Cleo talks to us during mass. He was a husband, a father and a son. But his most famous role was that of a civil rights activist during a time when our country decided that some people should have more rights than others. He spoke up for the people who were not treated fairly even though it wasn’t always popular for him to be that brave. He made a very important speech in Washington, D.C., during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was August 28, 1963, and he was there to advocate (which means help) black people receive the same rights as white people. Our country had sadly and tragically allowed slavery to exist for a long time. People of color were still not being given the same rights as white people, even though slavery had ended 100 years before his speech. He was the last speaker, and his speech is remembered historically for four simple words – “I Have a Dream.” His dream was for our country to unite and for everyone to be treated equally and fairly no matter what they looked like. He wanted us to collectively (meaning together) transform our country into “an oasis of freedom and justice.” He wanted people with power to help people who did not have any power. He wanted communities to be united.
Why do we not have school on Monday? Because in the 1980s President Ronald Reagan signed a law to make the third Monday in January a national holiday. Schools are closed that day. Government offices are closed and some of your parents won’t have to go to work.
What can you do to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s memory? Exactly what he asked so many people to do 58 years ago at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Help others in need. Make a plan to invite someone to play on the playground who often is left out. Offer to clean up a neighbor’s yard. Pick up some trash in your neighborhood. Write a letter to family members or friends, reminding them of how special they are to you. Donate your allowance to a charity of your choice. Go help clean up a park. Bring some books you don’t read to a lending library. Stand up for someone who is being treated unfairly. Collect food for the homeless. Drop off a snack and a thank you note to our police officers, firefighters and first responders. There are so many ways you can show that you care about your community. Learn them and then teach others what you learn.
This weekend, ask your parents to listen to King’s “I Have a Dream” speech with you. It’s about 16 minutes long, easy to find online and worth every minute. And when the speech is over, be thankful. Because you are part of a community that chooses to collectively celebrate and lift up others so that we can all continue the mission of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 14, 2022