5 Ways to Celebrate MLK Day with Your Children

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was a civil rights activist who lead the civil rights movement from 1955 until his untimely assassination in April 1968.  MLK helped pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Votings Right Act of 1965. Both bills helped broaden African Americans' civil rights in America. MLK is an important part of our history and we should celebrate him and all that he has done every single day.

MLK Day is celebrated every third Monday of January. This year, MLK Day is Monday, January 16, 2023. While schools and government offices are closed in observation, it is important to honor MLK on this day.

Here are five ways to celebrate MLK Day with your little one(s):

1. Educate with books, movies, and crafts

We know that the US school system does not get it right when it comes to black history. As parents, it is our job to educate our children beyond what the schools provide. Teach your kiddo about MLK by watching "The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World" (Amazon) or reading "I Have a Dream" or "Martin's Big Words" both amazing books perfect for little ones!

We created a free printable color sheet in honor of MLK! Download and color here! 

2. Visit a local museum or historic site

Local museums are like gold mines and if your city (or nearest city) is anything like Philly, there's so much to explore! Try visiting a local African American museum. Take a guided or self guided tour, bring those stories to life. If your kiddo is anything like mine, they will enjoy it!

And if you're in or close to Philly, our favorite local museums and historic sites are:

• The African American Museum in Philadelphia
• Belmont Mansion 
• The Colored Girls Museum 
• Lest We Forget Museum of Slavery
• Paul Robeson House & Museum
• Tides of Freedom African Presence on the Delaware River at the Independence Seaport Museum 

3. Give back to your community 

Support Black Americans by donating your time to your local community. Most black communities celebrate MLK Day with a special parade. Check your local newspapers and neighborhood community groups and/or events to attend a MLK Day parade. These parades are so fun with neighbors, churches, and more coming together to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Other ways to support your community:

• volunteer at a local shelter
• donate to a food bank

4. Support an organization that empowers black people

The HuffPost listed 28 organizations to support that empower black people. Organizations like:

• Black Girls Code
• The Trayvon Martin Foundation
• Pennsylvania Prison Society 

5. Support a Black-Owned Business

Black-Owned Businesses face many challenges that other races may not. Supporting a Black-Owned Business is not done solely through making a purchase. Try sharing a social media post with your friends. Send a quick email to your family members introducing them to your favorite Black-Owned business. Or search the #blackownedbusiness hashtag on Instagram and follow newly discovered businesses.

E-Commerce platforms like Amazon Handmade and Etsy highlight Black-Owned Businesses by featuring them on their landing pages. 

Some of our favorite Black-Owned Businesses:

• MMofPhilly - handmade children's clothing and accessories
• Ceramic Concepts PHL - handcrafted pottery
• Gen Z Jewelz - handcrafted jewelry 
• Vintage Jawn - Vintage Clothing
• Amelia Symone - bridal wear
• Earth Kandy Nail Polish - nail polish brand

And if you're looking to celebrate MLK Day in style, be sure to shop our Black 365 collection.

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