Things to Do on Martin Luther King Day

Martin Luther King Day is less than two weeks away - January 18, 2010. Some see it as another holiday to kick back and relax. Others may want to observe of the day, but don't know what to do. Many communities have events and activities planned not only for the day, but the week of Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday. Check your local newspaper, community center, place of worship, or city's website to see what is scheduled. If you still have no idea of what to do, here are some suggestions. Many of these activities can be done throughout the year.

Reflect

Think about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968). Imagine what it was like to be an African American during this period. Reflect on the work of Dr. King, and how he devoted his life to equality and social justice. Remember that there is still much work to be done!

Read

Find books by and about Dr. King. Read his speeches, sermons, letters and quotes. Go to your local library or search the Internet. There are hundreds of books for children, teens and adults.

Learn more

Many TV and radio stations will have specials about Dr. King throughout the week, but especially on the holiday, itself. Most of these films and documentaries will have actual footage of his speeches, sermons and marches.

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia, visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic site. This site includes the home that Dr. King was born in, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Visitor's Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King was pastor, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

Those living in Memphis, Tennessee can visit the National Civil Rights Museum. It is located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was murdered. There are many exhibits, including a chronology of the Civil Rights movement, one of the buses firebombed during the Freedom Rides, and Dr. King's motel room.

Teach

Take the opportunity to teach your children about Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement. This is especially important if you lived during that time, or was active in the movement. Tell them what it was like to experience prejudice, hatred, and racism. Teach them about acceptance of people regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic heritage, ability, etc.

Participate

Get involved in the activities that may be planned, if possible. Many communities have marches, rallies, interfaith events, seminars, and film festivals. Participate in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, which is a day of volunteering in your community. Host a gathering of friends and neighbors and reflect on the day together.

Make a resolution

Look deep within yourself and resolve to be a better person. Step outside your comfort zone and interact with those whom you normally would not. Do your part, no matter how small, to make the world a better place for everyone. It will be the most important thing to do on Martin Luther King Day.

Sources:

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site - http://www.nps.gov/malu/index.htm

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service - http://www.mlkday.gov/resources/examples/index.asp

National Civil Rights Museum - http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/home.htm