Dr. King had told the nation in his “I Have a Dream” speech that he dreamed of a day when his four little children would “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Throughout our nation, the Hudson Valley and in our own homes, people are gathering to celebrate the life and legacy that Martin Luther King Jr. left on all of us. From something as simple as teaching our kids the power of gratefulness and equality to serving others through charity work and donations. There are many ways that Hudson Valley families can remember, celebrate and carry on Dr. King’s message of peace, freedom and unity this month. We have rounded up 7 great ways to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with your family. No matter how you choose to celebrate, above all we hope you have a day of peace and love.
Read more: 5 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month
1. Serve others! One of Martin Luther King’s most powerful messages is, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Use this day as a steppingstone to get involved in your own communities. A quick search on volunteermatch.org and I found a half dozen volunteer opportunities in our area this MLK Day everything from homeless shelter clean ups to food pantry work and more. If your kids are too young or you just can’t get involved in a public organization, gather up some canned goods, paper products, disposable diapers and/or toiletries for your local food pantry. Many of the items that cannot be purchased with food stamps are often in high demand. You can call ahead to find out what is most needed as well.
2. Say thank you. Not only are we celebrating the life and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. this month, we are also recognizing National Thank You Month. Take this opportunity to make and send thank you notes to distant relatives, friends, local service men or even just leaving a thank you note surprise in your mailbox for your mailman! There are a million ways that we can say thank you and encourage our kids to appreciate and give thanks on a daily basis.
3. Commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a visit to one of our beautiful local state parks for free. Throughout the year there are 9 days that the national parks services waive the entrance fees at all of the national parks across the country. MLK Day is the first day of the year that your family can visit any national park for free! Click here for a list of parks in New York state.
4. The Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum will be open. Join us for a day filled with creativity and history as we come together to honor the achievements of African Americans and encourage the dreams of young minds!
5. If the museum is too far, do a quick search online for MLK kids crafts. Art is a great way for kids to learn about the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. I found some great crafts kids can do like these adorable Dream Catchers from Rainbows Within Reach or Handprint Poem from School Daze.
6. Read to your kids! A few of our favorites is A Picture Book of Martin Luther King Jr., My First Biography: Martin Luther King Jr. and Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
7. Pledge to serve others all year round through doing good and being kind to one another. Take the MLK Day challenge! www.nationalservice.gov/mlkday
Other articles by Pam Perry