Martin Luther King

Today, January 17th, is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. On this day schools and offices are closed, but we need to remember this is more than just a day off. Dr. King had a dream and his dream changed the world. He believed that everyone, no matter their skin color, should be treated equally. He has inspired many to continue this work and today we hope you can take a little time to learn more about this amazing person and all he has accomplished. 

 

We at TerraLoco wanted to share a few ways you could celebrate and honor Martin Luther King Jr. 

1. You may have read about Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, but there is nothing like watching him deliver the speech himself in front of 250,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial. Click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP4iY1TtS3s  I Have a Dream speech by Martin Luther King .Jr HD (subtitled) 
2. There is a lot about Dr. King you may not know. He was a civil rights leader, Baptist Minister, and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient. He also was a father of four, and had a doctoral degree from Boston University! Go to this post to read some more facts about him. 
3. Go to this inspiring post that shows you can use your creativity without much planning to create something memorable and thought-provoking for your family. 
4. Talk to your older family members. Some of us may have grandparents who are living history. Maybe they watched him live on television or attended a protest. Since Covid is still going strong, you may not be able to see them in person, but give them a call and ask some questions!
5. Do some GOOD! Despite Covid, see if you can make this a day of service. Maybe you can write a letter or draw a picture and send it to a homebound friend or family member. You could check local non-profits to see if there is anything they need or ways you could volunteer. Simply start off by searching for volunteer opportunities near you and those in-need. A few to consider in the Rochester area–The Landing, Family Promise Rochester, The Jeremiah Project, Salvation Army, The Dorothy Day House, Rochester Community Warming Center, and United Way. 
6. Support Black and Minority-Owned Businesses. It’s all too easy to do Amazon orders these days, so challenge yourself to try to shop a locally owned, minority business. Rochester Mom’s Blog put together a list of minority owned businesses in December 2021.
7. Purchase, read, and share books by black authors. One way to put yourself in someone else’s shoes is to read and learn about their life and culture. Here is an amazing list of 70 must-read black authors.

 

A reminder that today is the last day to enter the coloring contest at TerraLoco. Drop it off at the store by 3pm today. We leave you with the powerful words of Amanda Gorman:

For there is always light
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.