Discovering the rewards of service
We celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day because we want to honor and continue the legacy of Dr. King, one of the great leaders of the Twentieth Century. The son and grandson of preachers, Dr. King used words and non-violent protest to lead the African American civil rights movement that changed our nation. The brutal prejudice and segregation that he and his children knew lasted for centuries and changed over the course of a decade due to his vision and the courage of adults and children.
The resources 
provides will help you to discover how Dr. King and ordinary citizens changed the course of history. Explore how you too can be a change-maker through service. The work that Dr. King began is not completed. There are still many injustices to overcome. Whatever you choose to add to your MLK Day observance, we hope you take some time this holiday to remember the lessons of Dr. King.
MLK Day: Ceremonies to Choose
Our Full Ceremony for older participants and students includes multiple hyperlinks to extend learning and highlight the role that young people and children played in the civil rights movement.
The Children March! Ceremony works well for families and younger users. It also tells about the special courage of children during the movement.
Your ceremony choice can be used in many ways. Read it as a formal holiday observance. Use a segment to spark discussion. Ask participants to read it in advance then discuss it at your celebration or follow up with a book reading from the suggested book list in our Explore More section. Enjoy adapting a ceremony to your setting and let us know what works for you!
MLK Day: Celebrate Your Way
Use Table Talk to find out what older family members and friends may remember about the civil rights era or times when we may have fought injustice. Our stories teach valuable lessons about history and ourselves.
Everybody Can Be Great Because Everybody Can Serve shows the many ways children can participate in meaningful service and honor the legacy of Dr. King.
MLK Day: Create a Keepsake
Express your special service passion. Honor your service hero, capture an inspiring saying, commemorate your favorite service organization, and much more.
Use our Service Reflection Pledge Page designed with the Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) to describe your service project before designing your own keepsake.
Make a Service Medallion, design your own bracelet, and wear your service commitment with pride.
MLK Day: Explore More
Many of us were born after 1965. It can be challenging to imagine the world that civil rights protestors worked so hard and made such sacrifices to change. We’ve gathered a range of resources to extend your learning and discovery. We hope that you find them helpful and interesting.
Current President of University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III recalls his childhood Birmingham protest experience and lessons learned:
Suggested Reading List for children ages 4 to 12 from consultants at the Enoch Pratt Free Library:
Narrated video storybook and a downloadable Mp3 reading of the children's book, Martin’s Big Words, written by author Doreen Rappaport:
- Martin's Big Words (YouTube Video Storybook)
- Martin's Big Words (Mp3 Download--Right Click on Link, Select "Save Link As" to save Mp3 file to your computer.)
Service Websites that highlight exemplary children’s service projects, family oriented service opportunities as well as MLK Day service activities
A twentieth century Civil Rights timeline that highlights the role of children in the movement
Enjoy a meaningful and memorable MLK Day!
Please visit us again for Presidents’ Day! 
© 2012 Freedom's Feast
