How do we Celebrate?

Good Morning Students,

It's Monday, and you are not in school, so there may not be many of you reading this post, but regardless of the number of readers today, I felt that it was essential to not miss blogging today.  Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  Today, you are not in school, federal office buildings are closed, it's a national "holiday" where many big businesses are closed.  We do this to honor a civil rights leader who gave his life to fight for all people to be included in our democracy.  

King was a minister and social justice activist who espoused peaceful protest and was instrumental in events like the Montgomery Bus Boycotts in the '50s and the March on Washington in 1963.  These events helped bring about legislation that would help further equality for people of color in our nation.  Continuing to observe MLK's legacy and honor him each January, is important because we are, still today, struggling to find equality for all people within our democratic republic.  We can not forget what MLK and other civil rights activists, like more recently deceased, John Lewis, believed in.  King, and Lewis, who spoke to some of our CBMS students at the Flynn Theater in October of last school year, believed that education and peaceful resistance were the ways to achieve a more perfect union.     

His commitment to the rights of others is why we now honor King by encouraging people to perform service acts in his name instead of just taking the day off to serve ourselves.  Trying to figure out how to do this in the face of a pandemic is a bit tricky, but it can be done.  Many people are in need during this time, so supporting local food banks is a good option.  I came across this list of items that are often missing from local food pantries.  

-Check-in with your caregivers about adding some of these items to your shopping list and drop them off at your local food bank.  

-There is lots of heavy wet snow out there so consider getting out to a neighbor in need to help them clear out their walk-ways and driveways. 

-Read something that is educational and helps you learn about the civil rights movements of our past and our present.  

-Find a documentary that helps cement your understanding of our democratic process.  

-Do something helpful for your caregivers or siblings.  

-Donate to a charity or cause that is important to you.  

-There are many possibilities and ways to be involved, so don't be afraid to get creative!  


If you are looking to learn more about MLK you can check out these and other resources.  

I Have a Dream Speech

Reach March - which you can get at the CBMS Library.  

Understanding the significance of MLK Day

Nat Geo Kids

Teaching Tolerance


Have a great day everyone!  Thanks for doing what you do to make our community a better place!  

Be Well,

Mrs. Hempey

   

   

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