On August 28, 1963, history was made as civil rights leaders and Americans from all corners of the country marched in Washington, D.C., joining one of the most impactful rallies for human rights in U.S. history. While this rally is famously known for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, what many people don’t realize is that the event had a clear focus: jobs and freedom. Despite fears that the march, which attracted over 200,000 people, would lead to violence and unrest, the nation came together in peace, and Dr. King delivered his inspiring speech.
The March on Washington and, in particular, Dr. King’s speech marked a turning point for the civil rights movement. It exerted immense pressure on Congress to enact change, resulting in the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This pivotal legislation put an end to segregation in public places and prohibited employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin. The Voting Rights Act, which followed a year later, aimed to eliminate discriminatory voting practices that disenfranchised many African American citizens.
Tragically, on April 4, 1968, Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. Today, we commemorate his contributions to the United States by celebrating his life with a federal holiday every third Monday of January, close to his January 15th birthday.
Dr. King’s powerful message of equality and human potential will forever remain relevant and deserving of discussion. If you’re searching for ways to help your children connect with Dr. King’s legacy and teachings, why not start the dialogue with his own words?
MLK Day Discussion Questions
We’ve curated three discussion questions and activities inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s most famous quotes.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
To honor Dr. King’s impact on both his own community and our larger national community, encourage your students to find an organization or cause they feel passionate about and motivate them to volunteer. Visit VolunteerMatch.org to explore opportunities that align with their interests and availability. Afterwards, have them reflect on their experiences and think about ways to continue making a difference for others.
“We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.”
It’s essential to dedicate time to discuss complex concepts like forgiveness with your students. Read Dr. King’s quote and use the following questions to spark conversations about forgiveness. Share your own experiences as well, as your children will appreciate the chance to connect your stories with their own:
- Why do you think Martin Luther King Jr. believed forgiveness was important?
- Can you recall a time when someone hurt your feelings? What happened, and why were your feelings hurt? Can you forgive that person for their actions?
- Why do you think it’s important to forgive those who have hurt your feelings?
- What do you believe forgiveness achieves?
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
This quote stands as one of the most powerful in American history. It provides an excellent gateway for discussing with kids the impact of Martin Luther King Jr. on the civil rights movement and where our nation stands today, more than 50 years later. Engage your children with the following questions about Dr. King’s hypothetical perspective if he were alive today:
- What do you think would make him most proud to see?
- What do you believe would disappoint him the most?
- Do you think he would approve of the way we treat one another today? Why or why not?
Encourage your kids to continue contemplating Dr. King’s legacy and its connections to their own lives beyond the observance of this month. For more conversation starters and materials about Dr. King’s life and work, including an incredible digital archive of primary source materials, visit The King Center online (or in Atlanta!). You’ll be surprised by the additional insights you can gain from your students’ unique perspectives, and you’ll set a strong foundation for engaging in important conversations in the future.
Please note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of HMH. This blog post was updated in December 2019.