Martin Luther King, Jr. day is on Monday, January 15, 2024, and to honor his incredible legacy, we've pulled together 5 facts you can share with your younger children to help them understand who he was, what he stood for and why we honor him.
- Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. His birth name was Michael King Jr., but when his father, a Baptist minister, traveled to Germany in 1934 and became inspired by the Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther, he changed his name and that of his son to Martin Luther King.
- King was a key leader in the American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, which sought to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans. He employed nonviolent tactics such as boycotts, sit-ins, and peaceful marches to advocate for change.
- King was the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which he was awarded in 1964 in recognition of his work to end racial segregation and promote social justice.
- King's most famous speech, "I Have a Dream," was delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The speech called for an end to racism in the United States and remains one of the most iconic speeches in American history.
- Sadly, King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. He was only 39 years old at the time of his death, but his legacy as a champion for civil rights and social justice continues to inspire people around the world today.
Here are three ways you can honor him this year at home with your children.
- Create a "I Have a Dream" poster: Have the kids draw or write out their dreams, just like Martin Luther King Jr. did in his famous speech. Encourage them to think about what they hope for the future, whether it's a world without prejudice or a world where everyone has access to education.
- Read a children's book about MLK: There are many age-appropriate books about Martin Luther King Jr. and his life's work. Choose one that your child will enjoy and read it together. Afterward, discuss what they learned and how they can apply those lessons to their own lives.
- Volunteer in your community: MLK day is also a day of service, so find a way to give back WITH your kids. This could be as simple as picking up litter in your neighborhood or visiting a local nursing home to spend time with residents. Talk with your kids about why it's important to serve others and how they can continue to do so throughout the year.
