4 Ways To Celebrate MLK Day With Kids

Monday, January 15, 2024 is a day of remembering and celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Honor his legacy and the accomplishments of black leaders throughout our country’s history with these kid-friendly activities.

FAMILY FIELD TRIP

• Charles H Wright Museum of African American History

Take your kids to the country’s first museum for African American History. Through dozens of permanent and visiting exhibitions, The Wright Museum inspires visitors toward greater understanding, acceptance, and unity by reflecting on the triumphs and tragedies of African-American history.

• The Henry Ford Museum

Sit in the Rosa Parks Bus and explore the Liberty and Justice for All Exhibit, which celebrates the contributions of Dr. King, Mrs. Parks and other civil rights champions. Learn and become inspired by the actions of Fannie Lou Hamer, Gloria Rackley, and the Freedom Riders. Enjoy FREE admission to the museum too!

• African Bead Museum

Shop and learn at the African Bead Museum. The building’s exterior is a site to see, as are the exterior art installations! Afterwards stop into the shop and learn about beads from countries across Africa. Purchase jewelry or supplies to make your own.

A DAY OF SERVICE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a National Day of Service and we are home from school and work to reflect on his message and carry it forward. That’s why each year I pack up the car with cookies and coffee to deliver to the fire stations in Detroit. Other years I fill it with feminine products and sweets to take to Alternatives for Girls and other women’s shelters. Find a cause that means something to you or even an individual you know who has special needs right now and make their day a little brighter. If we all do a little something, we can make a big difference.

• Have pizzas delivered to local hospital ER staff
• Bring cookies and coffee to first responders
• Make a charitable donation
• Write letters to seniors in your neighborhood

SUPPORT BLACK BUSINESS

When you support black-owned businesses you are helping not only an individual entrepreneur but an entire community. Here are SOME local black-owned businesses you can support by placing an order, signing up for a class or give them a follow on social media.

• Add to your book collection with finds for you and the kids at Source Booksellers
• Take an online class with S.W.A.G. Gym or Lil Dumplins
• Welcome a new toy into the family (or gift one) from Zoe from the Healthy Roots Dolls
• Buy a pie for you (and a friend) from Sweet Potato Sensations or Good Cakes and Bakes
• Get a gift card and make plans to try classes at Live Cycle Delight and Vibe Ride
• Get new make-up for mom or lip gloss for littles from The Lip Bar
• Place your order for a family meal:
  • Kuzzos Chicken & Waffles
  • Ima Noodles
  • Detroit Vegan Soul
  • Yum Village

THINGS TO DO AT HOME

Cuddle up at home and enjoy stories featuring black characters in books or on the big screen.

Great Reads:

• I Am Martin Luther King Jr. by Brad Meltzer
• Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
• Be A King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford
• Love Will See You Through: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Six Guiding Beliefs by Angela Farris Watkins
• Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson
• As Good As Anybody by Richard Michelson

Watch List:

• Soul (Disney+)
• Bookmarks (Netflix)
• Motown Magic (Netflix)
• Into The Spider-Verse (Netflix)
• A Wrinkle In Time (Disney+)

Photo credit: Facebook