I’m just stealing a quick moment away from the kids to do this post. If you live in the United States, you know that today is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The Princess Fairy is off from school and she’s been learning about Dr. King. As someone who studied history in college, I am excited about teaching her, I LOVE HISTORY. When I moved to the United States, I made it my duty to learn American history. I spent many days (and late evenings) hanging out at the Schomburg Center in Harlem, reading books and having conversations with older people (my favorite way to learn). In 2012, we made a trip to Washington D.C and one of our main goals was to visit the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. The Princess Fairy was only 20 months old (and slept through it all) then but we are planning another trip now that she is older.
This morning we read books, listened to speeches and discussed the importance of the Civil Rights Movement and his role. Of course, she’s only four so she got a very simplified version. Her description of him really warmed my heart “He was a man who wanted all kids to play together!” It’s really important to us that she knows and understands her history because it’s the sacrifices of Dr. King and others like himself that makes it possible for her to enjoy the life that she now have and I don’t want her to be oblivious to the sit-ins, demonstrations, freedom rides and so much more that many people of all races endured to ensure that we all have equal rights.
How are you and your family spending Martin Luther King Jr. day?
It’s so important to teach our kid’s such a valuable facet of their history, our history, world history. The effects of MLK’s work is felt across the globe.
That’s true Kimberly, he’s not only an American legacy.
It’s so key for us to teach our children their history as soon as their able to grasp the info. My family and I spent the day at the museums learning about Dr. King and enjoying one another’s company.
That’s wonderful. I would like to do that when both of my kids are older.
Your daughter is so on point! Our future depends on our children learning to play, live and build together. It really is that simple. Start with love and our world will be a much better place.
Yes, MJ you’re so right. We must start with love.
This is awesome! Peyton knows who MLK is but I don’t think she understands the details so I didn’t push it on her this year. Next year I’ll make sure to do more.
That’s awesome that Peyton is knows MLK is! Good job mama 🙂
I love it, and love what your daughter said. Even though we live outside of DC, my kids haven’t been to the MLK Memorial since 2013. But now that the youngest can walk for long periods of time, we definitely plan to take them when the weather gets warmer. We definitely keep the lines of communication open with them and explain to them how much of a contribution Dr. King made to our world. And it’s something that they will teach their kids.
I love that you are educating not just your children but you’re investing in the future generations.
“He was a man who wanted all the kids to play together.” What a wonderful characterization of who MLK was. If only the rest of the world could see how simple this is, we would be much better off! Thanks for sharing!
That’s true Rese. Thanks for stopping by.