ESIT Racial Equity Corner
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Jahla Brown, DCYF ESIT Partnership & Collaboration Specialist
“Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame but greatness,
because greatness is determined by service.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr., American Baptist minister and prominent Civil Rights activist leader
The legislation to recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was first introduced just four days after his assassination on April 4, 1968. Still, it would take 15 years of persistence by civil rights activists for the holiday to be approved by the federal government and an additional 17 years for it to be recognized in all 50 states. Today, it is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities.
Read more about the ongoing struggle to implement the holiday we nationally celebrate:
Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy by helping children understand the importance of love, justice and equality with this special video and issue from Let’s Find Out, the early childhood magazine for early-learners (watch time 5:50):
Allyship is all about being a good friend. Watch kids explain what it takes to support people who experience discrimination and oppression: what could be cuter! (watch time 1:52):
Learn more about SOY H.E.A.T., a program of Supporting Our Youth, run from the Sherbourne Health Centre in Toronto.
“The worst conversation adults can have with kids about race is no conversation at all,” says author Jemar Tisby. “Talking to kids about race needs to happen early, often, and honestly.”
In a new episode of Home School, The Atlantic’s animated series about parenting, Tisby offers advice on how to have a conversation with children about race, from experiential learning to watching classic animated films (watch time 2:56):
Below are resources and opportunities to engage:
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Martin Luther King | I Have A Dream Speech | August 28, 1963, Full Speech (watch time 17:25): On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr., delivered a speech to a group of civil rights marchers gathered around the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. Watch this important piece of American history.
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Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Doreen Rappaport, Bryan Collier
(Illustrator): "Acclaimed author Doreen Rappaport and Coretta Scott King Award winner Bryan Collier, who previously collaborated on Freedom River, have pooled their talents yet again in a stunning tribute to civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. An extraordinary picture-book biography, Martin's Big Words consists of Rappaport's own words interwoven with quotes from Dr. King...all powerfully brought to life by Collier's striking, glorious art." For kids 5 - 8 years.
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A Kids Book About Allyship by Sam (any pronouns) and Rebecca (she/her) Gitlitz-Rapoport: "Allies notice when things are unfair, speak out against injustice, and embrace the unique differences of every person. This book is a guide (for kids and grownups) to understand the importance of allyship and empower kids to be an ally today. Together, we can create a more beautifully diverse and equitable world!" For kids 5 - 13 years.
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