Martin Luther King Jr. Day

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Today we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. We celebrate the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., who was an influential American civil rights leader. He fought to end racial segregation and for racial equality in the United States. Today is not supposed to be spent as a “day off”, but rather a “day on” doing service around your community in hopes of making it a better place!

Here are some fun facts about Martin Luther King Jr. 

  • King was the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

  • There are over 730 streets in the United States named after Martin Luther King, Jr.

  • Martin Luther King had his first experience of segregation at just six years old, when he was told he wasn’t allowed to play with his white friend anymore – his friend’s father wouldn’t allow it!

  • Martin was a great believer in peaceful protest, inspired by the Indian activist Mahatma Gandhi. 

  • In 1963, Martin gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, at a famous rally named ‘March on Washington.’ Over 250,000 people gathered in the country’s capital to hear Martin and other activists speak about the importance of civil rights. It has become one of the most famous speeches in history and focuses on Martin’s dream of a society where black people and white people live together in harmony. (National Geographic Kids)

Thanks to Mrs. Barney's second grade class for the awesome artwork!