Let’s make Martin Luther King Jr. Day more than a day off school. Let’s go beyond his inspiring one-liners and discover more about his life and legacy and how we can still be a part of the activism he began.
Below are some ideas for honoring Dr. King’s memory with your family.
Participate in the MLK Jr. Act of Service Day
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived his life serving others. One way we honor his memory is by serving our community. We may have to get a little creative in the ways we give back with kids times, but we’re moms . . . ingenuity is our middle name. Here is an excellent list of ways kids can serve their community:
- The Power of Community Service for Kids (+ Places to Volunteer with Kids).
- Recommendations for Children Who Need Volunteering Hours.
- Guide to Local Charities for Children in Need.
Support a Local Black-Owned Business
Black Americans make up more than 13% of the U.S. population but only own 7% of the businesses due to many factors. Most experts agree the cause is a combination of racism, discrimination, predatory lending, and a lack of economic and business resources in African American communities. So, let’s support black-owned companies when we can! Here’s a list of black-owned businesses in the El Paso area.
Educate Yourself First
Martin Luther King Jr. was an eloquent speaker, to be sure! You’ll find quotes from him all over your social media pages today. But if the only quotes we hear from him only make us feel good but don’t challenge us, we probably don’t understand who he really was. Today would be a good day to read (or listen to) some of Dr. King’s words in context. Consider reading or listening to one of the pieces below:
- “Letter from Birmingham Jail” written
- “Letter from Birmingham Jail” audio
- “The Other America”
- “The Three Evils of Society”
- “Where Do We Go From Here?”
Teach Your Children About Martin Luther King Jr. & the Civil Rights Movement
There are so many resources available. But I think the most important thing for kids to realize is that while the Civil Rights Movement did accomplish much, its work is not finished. There is still much to do to ensure equality and justice in our country.
- Here’s a booklist with children’s books about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement.
- Here are some fantastic ideas about inviting racial justice into our homes.
- Check out this National Geographic Kids article & video: Hero for All: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Attend an Event
Sunday, January 19 | 2025 Annual Citywide MLK Celebration
The MLK Committee of El Paso is hosting this celebration entitled “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365,” at Temple Mt. Sinai, 4408 N. Stanton St. 79902. Get more details here.
Saturday, January 18 | Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Tree Planting Event
The El Paso Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the 915 Tree Keepers Program, invites the community to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day by participating in a meaningful day of service. Volunteers are needed to assist with a tree planting project at Washington main parking lot, located at 4201 E. Paisano Drive. Get more details here.
