Third Monday in January
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and his legacy with your children
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States that celebrates the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King was a Baptist minister and civil rights activist who became a symbol of the American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. He is remembered for his powerful speeches, nonviolent protests, and tireless advocacy for racial equality and social justice.
Dr. King's vision of a more just and equitable society inspired millions of people around the world and his legacy continues to inspire generations of civil rights activists and advocates to this day. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to remember his contributions to the struggle for civil rights, to honor his legacy, and to renew our commitment to creating a more just and equitable world.
Book lists
To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with your children, consider the hundreds of “living” books in these free lists and curated bundles.
Film and television productions
To complement your children’s reading about MLK, you might also consider watching these fine productions. To begin with, Selma is an absolute must.
Quotes about and from Martin Luther King, Jr.
Words flowed from the great Dr. King. Time has proven that many of the reverend’s own words live on as some of the most important and inspirational ever to have been written or spoken. Here are just a few.
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Martin Luther King Jr.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
“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.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
“The time is always right to do what is right.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
“True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
“When he died, I think something died in all of us. Something died in America. Each day I think we must find a way to dream the dream that he dreamed. And build on what he left all of us.”
Rep. John Lewis
This celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was brought to you—with love—from Stories of Color.