Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. galvanized the Civil Rights Movement of the
1950's and 1960's due to his remarkable courage and unsurpassed
eloquence. He was right: those who were on the opposing side of the
argument were revealed as hideous, sadistic monsters. They still are.
Unspeakable
atrocities preceded and follow Dr. King's time of leadership. His
actions and words still call forth men and women, boys and girls of all
demographics to seek equality in America. And the price could be high.
When
Dr. King gave his immortal, 'I Have A Dream' speech, he ignited dreams
among all ethnicities, genders, religions, and students. Hearing it is a
profound experience. Please have your students listen. It is probably
the most important speech given in the twentieth century, and given by a
future winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Here is a resource to hear the "I Have A Dream" Speech on American Rhetoric.
Teachable Moment: "I Have A Dream" Speech Anniversary Today
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2012/08/american-rhetoric-great-resource-for.html
Here is an excerpt from my blog "Books to Soothe Kids' Toxic Stress" http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2012/01/books-to-sooth-kids-toxic-stress.html
A
third grader, small for his age, could really run fast during practice
for his elementary school's Olympic Day. It was his way to shine. His
tennies were worn out, so Teacher got him a new pair at Wal-Mart. He
made the school proud. This school district was low income, and located
near a federal prison, therefore many families were in the area to be
living nearby to visit relatives. The little boy also worked very hard
at reading, writing, and math, including those impossible fractions.
After the January 19th holiday, he asked Teacher, "Why don't they make
Dr. Martin Luther King bedsheets? They make them for Superman." He had
chosen the better hero.
This
is a true story, and I hope the little guy is now a grown, happy, and
functional adult, since I last had him at school in 1995. He had the
odds against him, but hopefully some encouragement from reading in
school has remained with him.
http://www.amazon.com/Martins-Big-Words-Martin-Luther/dp/0786807148
This story of Dr. King and his profound words will be like miracle grow to the young soul, no matter what color his skin may be.
Teachable Moment: Book Review: Martin's Big Words
There are excellent resources to inform students about Dr. Martin Luther, King.
March on Washington: Throngs mark 'I Have a Dream' anniversary
March on Washington's 50th anniversary commemoration draws tens of thousands
And some posters and quotes.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
The
function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think
critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true
education.
I
have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation
where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the
content of their character.
The
ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort
and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and
controversy.
Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.
We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
He
who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.
There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us.
When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.
I
refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the
starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace
and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed
truth and unconditional love will have the final word.
Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'
I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
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| MLK aged seven. Do you have one in your first grade? Maybe your eighth grade class, or your American History class? |
