Martin Luther King, Jr. day is coming up on Monday, January 19th. Instead of treating it as just another vacation day away from work and school, now is a great opportunity to share with your kids the history and legacy of the man behind the holiday. You don’t want to have that “deer in the headlights” look when your kiddo asks who Dr. King was, so here are some ideas on how best to share the significance of MLK Day.
Read a Book
There are some amazing books out there about MLK, in particular, in kids formats. One of my favorites is “Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?”. This book is part of a series of books called “What Was…” that tell the stories of important historical figures, and we love them all! You can buy it here, or head to your nearest local bookstore to grab a copy and checkout other books in the series! I think reading an age-appropriate book with pictures is a really great way to teach younger kids.
Check out The Civil Rights room at the Nashville Public Library. The Civil Rights Room is a space for education and exploration of the Civil Rights Collection. The materials exhibited here capture the drama of a time when thousands of African-American citizens in Nashville sparked a nonviolent challenge to racial segregation in the city and across the South.
Teach Your Kids About Kindness and Fairness
MLK stood on the principles of fairness, equality and justice for all. Share with your kids a video of his famous speech, or read it to them. Take this time to share just how important it is to treat everyone with kindness. In honor of MLK, pick something kind you can do for someone else today, like taking flowers to an elderly neighbor, paying for someone’s meal in the drive through, or making a handmade card for someone special. I cannot think of a better way to honor the day and his legacy, than to spread kindness.
Arts and Crafts
If you have preschoolers, they probably respond best to hands-on activities. I have found some great printables such as coloring sheets, craft ideas, and word searches and crosswords (for the older kids). You can browse these resources here, and print as needed!
Be Honest With Your Kids
Sometimes conversations can be hard to have with our kids, especially when they focus on difficult topics like racial inequality. But our history is important, and the truth needs to be shared. Of course, it is up to every parent to decide what is age-appropriate and the right time to have these types of conversations. Share with your kids about the Civil Rights movement, what it is, and what people experienced during that time. Share with them why it was important to MLK to march and fight for the rights for himself and others.
Visit Museums
The local Tennessee State Museum is a great place to visit (and has FREE admission!). It is always closed on Mondays, so you cannot go on MLK day, but I highly encourage a visit. It walks through the history of our state and touches on the Civil Rights era. You can see great exhibits and read all about it. They also have a fun kids section for your littles!
The Civil Rights Museum in Memphis is a must-visit experience that everyone should have. It is worth the drive to Memphis, and can be done in a day, or a long weekend. The entire experience is humbling, somber and eye opening. The museum guides visitors through five centuries of history — from the beginning of the resistance during slavery, through the Civil War and Reconstruction, the rise of Jim Crow, and the seminal events of the late 20th century that inspired people around the world to stand up for equality. You will also visit the Lorraine Hotel Building, where MLK spent his final hours, and they have kept it preserved and in tact.
*Tennessee residents with state-issued ID may visit the museum for free on Mondays from 3 p.m. until closing, except holidays and special occasions.
If you are traveling to Atlanta, I encourage you to visit the MLK birthplace and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. Go hear his story, visit the home of his birth, and where he played as a child. Walk in his footsteps, and hear his voice in the church where he moved hearts and minds.
Local Events
MLK Day Community Day at NMAAM
Celebrate the National Museum of African American Music’s (NMAAM) 5th Anniversary with an unforgettable MLK Day celebration honoring Dr. King’s legacy through music, education, and innovation. This milestone marks NMAAM’s transformation from Nashville landmark to global digital authority on African American musical heritage. Expect special events throughout the day including live musical performances, DJ performances, a special five-year anniversary exhibition and much more!
MLK Day Nashville
There are multiple events leading up to MLK day, including a Black Tie Gala, Symposiums, Worship Services, a Youth Rally and a march and convocation.
Check out the schedule of events and how to participate.
MLK Day at Discovery Center-Murfreesboro
Join us Monday, Jan. 19th for our FREE MLK Day Cultural Heritage Day, celebrating the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
From 10 AM to 5 PM, we’ll be exploring the history of the Civil Rights movement and responding to Dr. King’s call to action by participating in a service project for local veterans.
SPONSORED BY
Date: Jan. 20th
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: $5.00
MLK Day Camp at Adventure Science Center
Nashville’s Adventure Science Center will be hosting a day camp on MLK Day focusing on the stories of groundbreaking scientists from diverse backgrounds who changed the world with their discoveries. “Science Stories: Inventors Who Changed The World” will offer fun, hands-on experiments and teamwork for campers ages 2-12 and will show campers how people with unique ideas—and sometimes big challenges—can achieve incredible things when they work together.
Date: Monday, January 19th
Time: 9:00am – 3:30pm
Cost: $79/camper
