Traditions and Celebrations: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

A DREAM –

Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. He wanted all people to get along. He saw Black Americans being treated unfairly because of their race. He wanted Black Americans to have equal rights. He spoke out.

Martin Luther King Jr. wanted a better future. He hoped for a world without discrimination. Some people did not like what Martin said. But Martin kept his dream alive.

MARCH FOR RIGHTS –

In Martin’s time, Black people were not allowed to do the same things as white people. They lived in different neighborhoods. Their children went to different schools. They ate at different restaurants. This is called segregation. Martin wanted to change this.

He led peaceful marches. People of all colors marched together. They wanted to show that everyone should be treated the same. Martin was put in jail many times for his beliefs. He didn’t give up hope.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE –

Changes were made so that Black Americans were treated more fairly. Black children began going to the same schools as other children. Black and white Americans could eat at the same restaurants. They could drink from the same water fountains. Martin helped make these changes.

HONORING A HERO –

Some people did not want Black Americans to have equal rights. They did not like Martin Luther King Jr. They did not want change.

Martin was killed in 1968. After his death, many people were sad. But they remembered Martin’s teachings. They remembered how brave he was. They wanted to make a difference too.

CELEBRATION DAY –

Martin Luther King Jr. is a hero to many people. Americans celebrate a holiday to remember him. It is on the third Monday of every January. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first celebrated in 1986. It is also called MLK Day.

MLK Day is a time to celebrate this brave man. It honors the difference he made in the world. It also honors everyone who fought for equal rights.

FAMOUS SPEECH –

People celebrate MLK Day in many ways. Martin gave hundreds of speeches each year. You can watch videos of his speeches online. His speeches inspired people.

His most famous speech is called “I Have a Dream.” In that speech, he shared his dream that all people would be treated fairly. Today, some people give speeches about equal rights on MLK Day. These speeches honor Martin.

PEACEFUL PROTESTS –

Martin believed in peace. He led many protests against unfair laws. He didn’t use violence. He used powerful words instead. People listened to him.

People still march today. They protest peacefully, just like Martin did. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there are marches and parades. You and your family can join a march to honor Martin’s dream.

A MEMORIAL –

There is a memorial to Martin Luther King Jr. in Washington, D.C. An image of Martin is carved into stone. The huge memorial is called the “Stone of Hope.”

On the holiday, people might visit the memorial. It is a way to celebrate Martin’s life and the good work he did. Many families visit the memorial each year.