You might be wondering how your family can honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Whatever you do, please don’t cherry-pick an MLK peace-and-love quote to post on social media. Sure, it’ll give some people temporary warm fuzzies, but this doesn’t honor Dr. King’s messages of racial equity, nor does it teach your children anything. There’s so much more to MLK Day.
Our multiracial Black-white family celebrates MLK Day each year. We have four kids: a teen, two tweens, and a kindergartner. We’ve created traditions to honor the day that feel true and right for us. Glossing over it or painting a “pretty picture” of the civil rights movement isn’t an option. Perhaps some of our ideas will inspire you this year?
Watch Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech
Thankfully, a quick search on YouTube will render the full video of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. This helps your child see King’s powerful words in context. However, younger kids may be bored by the black-and-white video. A great alternative is to listen to someone read one of Dr. King’s books on YouTube (or in person, like at a library event), or watch Kid President’s YouTube videos, which cater toward younger audiences.
Read age-appropriate books about Dr. King and the civil rights movement
There are wonderful books for kids of all ages on the topic of Dr. King’s life and legacy, as well as on the civil rights movement and other prominent figures such as Rosa Parks. For kids who are reading chapter books, check out the Who Was and What Was books such as Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr. and What Was The March on Washington.
Children’s picture books that we enjoy include The Sweet Smell of Roses, Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song, and I Am Martin Luther King, Jr. We also like comprehensive Black history books including Timelines From Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies, A Child’s Introduction to African American History: The Experiences, People, and Events That Shaped Our Country, Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans, and any of the little dreamers books by Vashti Harrison.
Watch age-appropriate movies
Older kids can watch Selma, a film about events during the civil rights era. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win is about Melody, a girl growing up in Detroit during the civil rights era who faces racial injustice. This movie is good for kids in elementary school and up. Loving is another great watch for older kids, featuring the true story of an interracial couple who illegally married in Virginia in the 1950s.
Older elementary-age children can learn about Ruby Bridges and school integration in the 1960s in the movie Ruby. Other options include The Watsons Go to Birmingham, Remember the Titans, and 42.
Attend an MLK or racial equity event
Many churches, libraries, and community centers offer MLK or racial equity education events on MLK weekend. These might feature musicians, poets, craftspeople, religious leaders, storytellers, and more. The visual and hands-on experiences can intrigue your kids. Some libraries could also offer MLK Day storytime events that include listening to book readings and doing crafts and activities.
Plan a day trip or work some history into your next vacation
Research Black history sites and activities near your home. If your family has an upcoming vacation, older kids can help you research Black historical sites or museums to include as part of your trip.
Although MLK Day is just one holiday, Black history should be taught every day. Children can learn about the importance of diversity, activism, and cultural appreciation even from a very young age. Parents can learn alongside their children too.
