The Words of MLK, Jr

 

I teach about Martin Luther King Jr. and the music of the civil rights movement at the beginning of January each year. It’s a nice 2 to 3 week unit and the kids always enjoy it.

 

In kindergarten and 1st grades, we talk about the voice—singing, speaking, whispering, and shouting, and how each person’s voice sounds different. We listen to sound clips of MLK’s “I Have A Dream” speech and talk about how his voice is different than mine. And their teacher’s. And the principal’s. And everyone else’s. We read a very simple book about Martin and how things were not fair when he was growing up and how he wanted to help change laws. Then we “Sing About Martin” and about “PEACE” and the kids have a great time. For many of them, it’s the first time they’ve heard of MLK. 

 

In 2nd and 3rd grades, we “Shed a Little Light” and talk about segregation and integration. We read a picture book biography of MLK, and we learn that on his tombstone, it says, “Free At Last.” We look at his tombstone and then we learn “Free At Last.” It’s a crowd favorite. 

 

In 4th and 5th grades, we listen to more of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech and talk about planned vs extemporaneous speeches. We listen to how he references, “My Country Tis of Thee,” and we listen to the song. We look at the full line up of the music and speeches of The March on Washington and we listen to some of the musicians and learn, “We Shall Overcome.” We also talk about what one person can do to change the world. 

 

I always enjoy teaching this unit. The music is fun and the subject matter is important and the kids are usually exasperated at the conditions of legalized segregation. 

 

But I must admit: it’s getting harder and harder to teach the subject matter with racism and hatred once again becoming more commonplace. I have had students tell me that their parents have said negative things about MLK and argue against what he taught. And I dread the moment students bring up modern day hate crimes and what they’re seeing on the news about ICE and border patrol and prejudices that still exist. 

 

Clearly, because I teach about MLK and the civil rights movement of the 1960s, I know that this is not the first time in history that people have had to live through tumultuous times. I know that racism, hatred, prejudice, power, and control have existed since the beginning of time. But that doesn’t make it any easier to be part of a moment in history where they seem to be triumphing again. 

 

These days, I am constantly reminded that the history books leave out most people. We know of the key players in all of the movements that were fighting for the dignity and respect for humankind, but we don’t know of the lives of every day people who were just trying to get by. Those stories have gotten lost but will likely be lived out time and again by more every day people just trying to get by. 

 

MLK, Jr made a huge impact on the world. He influenced the world far better past his immediate sphere of influence. But for most of us, our immediate sphere of influence is all we have. And while it may not seem like much, it can be everything to people who need to know they are loved and valued and wanted. 

 

So stay the course, dear friends. Use YOUR voice to share your dream. Shed A Little Light on this world. Celebrate moments when you feel Free at Last. And believe that, somehow, We Shall Overcome. One moment at a time. 

 

Amen.