How to Celebrate Martin Luther King Day
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped millions of people in the fight for racial equality. As a scholar, pastor and civil rights leader, he dedicated his life to helping others by leading protests against segregation and other civil rights issues in the U.S.
Martin Luther King Day honors "the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King's character and empowered his leadership," says his wife, Coretta Scott King on The King Center's website. "On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit."
From his work on the executive committee of the NAACP, to his role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Dr. King inspired change from grassroots campaigns, to U.S. Supreme Court legislation. When he was only 35-years-old he earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Tragically, despite his work as a leader and humanitarian, King was assassinated during a protest for garbage workers in Memphis, TN on April 4, 1968.
Find out how you can commemorate the life of this great civil rights leader, who was born on January 15, 1929 and whose work and words inspired fundamental changes to our nation.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Research Dr. King's life. If you don't have time to read a biography of Martin Luther King Jr., explore his accomplishments online to gather historical facts about him. A few examples are: the protest against the Montgomery, Alabama bus laws in 1955; his peaceful march with 250,000 people on Washington, D.C. in 1963 where he delivered his "I Have a Dream Speech"; his countless articles and five books about racism and equality; and unfortunately, his assassination in 1968. For extra credit, brush up on leadership techniques from Gandhi and check out Henry David Thoreau's essay "Civil Disobedience," both people inspired Dr. King in his non-violent civil rights campaigns.
-
2
Attend a church service or event commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Reverend King's faith and role as a pastor helped him persevere through hard times and if he were alive today, he'd probably be delighted if everyone attended a place of worship in his honor. Check your local community center or church to see if it's having special MLK Day events. If you have any kids, bring them along for at least a couple of hours, so they can learn the importance of the day too.
-
3
Watch a documentary about the civil rights movement. If you have cable, many channels will feature special programming about Martin Luther King, Jr., including documentaries about his life and about the civil rights movement in general. Once again, round up your kids and friends to let them see why this is an important holiday.
-
4
Honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s heritage. Serve Southern food, play some gospel music and discuss the successes and challenges Dr. King faced during his lifetime. Examine how his work changed people's lives to celebrate his birthday. Despite the somber and tragic times he encountered, his legacy is always a cause for celebration and opportunity to learn U.S. history.
-
5
Finally, please be respectful even if you do not observe Martin Luther King Day. Observance of the holiday has increased since 1983 when President Ronald Regan made it an official federal holiday. Many businesses and schools are closed. Employees and students mark the day with celebrations, seminars, volunteer work and religious services. Find your own special way to honor the holiday and pay respect to a great man whose legacy has forever changed equality in the United States.
-
1
Related Searches
Resources
Comments
-
a great day to help fufill his dreams he will always be with us give thanks to Dr.MLK.
-
eddieseaton
Jan 17, 2011
Great article. I was privileged to be present with a locally elected state representative at a breakfast today where I learned just a couple of more facts about Dr. King. It is a day on and not a day off is the way I look at it. A great time to mentor young people who have not seen the ugly side of our nation in any meaningful way other than through history books and old black and white films on treating all people with dignity and respect. Do that and the holiday will have true significance. Great article! -
Lane F. Kinkade
Jan 17, 2011
My favorite Holiday, I went to KFC to celebrate
-
panda2011
Jan 17, 2011
Correction on typo: why in the world CAN'T this be a REAL holiday
-
panda2011
Jan 17, 2011
With all the other holidays with strange traditions as easter bunny's, leprechauns, and jolly fat men, why in the world can this be a REAL holiday. He was a REAL man that stood for something great for both white, and black people. Also take into consideration holidays like Columbus day and Thanksgiving, where we know that these days are based on events that eventually led to a disinfranchizing of a group of people. MLK stood for things that were good and pure, non violent and much needed in this country.
