Martin Luther King Day is right around the corner – January 18, 2010! I hoped to get these up earlier, but the week got away from me! I have a new-ish project I’ve been working on, can’t wait to share the news in a week or two.
It’s hard to find a more inspiring role model in American history than Martin Luther King, Jr. Not only did he see the value and need for racial equality, but he was able to mobilize literally millions of people to work toward that goal. From the Bus Boycotts and Freedom Riders to the March on Washington, MLK spurred people to action through his words and through his own example.
One of the hallmarks of Martin Luther King’s approach was that he absolutely advocated using non-violent means when working to change a seriously flawed system. His was a revolution based in love and acceptance rather than a radical, violent overthrow of the status quo. When his followers were met with violence from counter-protesters, or even the police, he encouraged them to respond without becoming violent themselves. He taught and lived the concept of peaceful protest, teaching that “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend,” and that “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
At nearly 50 years after his death, Martin Luther King, Jr. is still much celebrated in the United States for what he did and the way he went about it. In addition to having a holiday in his honor, there are countless streets, organizations, and monuments erected and named in this great American’s honor.
Be sure to check out the rest of our winter kids activities from all of the Woo! Jr. sites.