Today is Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a national holiday of immense historical significance. The life and legacy of this great civil rights leader, however, isn’t merely history. His story is timeless, and especially pertinent this year.
As we look back on the recent past, with the hardships and turmoil that 2020 brought — from the disproportionate effects of Covid-19 on the Black community to the Black Lives Matter protests of the summer — we look forward with hope in our resolutions to start afresh and do better as a nation. No one can change what’s already happened, but we can resolve to learn from it and move forward with hope.
Here, we’ve collected six ideas for honoring the birthday of MLK this year.
Read a Book or Watch a Film Inspired by MLK and What He Stood For
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the era in which he lived have inspired many writers, from historians to novelists and screenwriters. Take some time today to seek out some of these works to educate yourself on the history of civil rights activism. To get you started, we’ve compiled 10 book-film pairings to consider here, and six more reading recommendations here.
Listen to an Audiobook That Celebrates the Life of MLK
No time to read? Too busy to sit and watch a film? We have you covered! The great thing about audiobooks is you can listen anytime, anywhere — and still get other things done. Try switching out your music playlist or entertainment podcast today for one of these three intellectually stimulating audiobooks about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Besides, hearing The King’s powerful words spoken aloud has an even more profound impression than reading them!
Write Something Inspired by MLK
If you are the creative type, try your hand at writing a poem, essay or short story inspired by the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Or start on a novel! There are many examples to draw inspiration from. Bestselling author Steve Berry wrote a book called The Bishop’s Pawn, a historical novel exploring and analyzing the assassination of MLK. As Berry remarks about Dr. King, “thankfully, his message survived and still lives on.” (Read more about the book in our insightful interview with the author.)
Share Your Favorite MLK Quote on Social Media
Not much of a writer? Is art more your style? Draw some inspiration from the words of the man himself. We’ve gathered 12 of his quotes here. These are more obscure than the famous “I Have A Dream,” so you’ll almost certainly find some new ones. Share your appreciation of these powerful and eloquent words by putting an excerpt on an image or background and posting it to social media.
Sing a Song of Freedom, Justice and Equality
Or if you can’t sing … hum! There are so many popular songs with powerful words and moving melodies that embody the spirit of MLK Day. From the classic spirituals “We Shall Overcome” and “We Shall Not Be Moved” to songs of the era such as Curtis Mayfield’s uplifting “People Get Ready” and Nina Simone’s blistering “Mississippi Goddamn,” to more recent anthems like Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” and James Taylor’s “Shed a Little Light,” there’s a lot to choose from — in many more music genres, as well.
Honor MLK with a Day of Service
Giving the gift of service may well be the best way to celebrate King’s work and further carry it out. Right now is a great time to think about helping others, when so many are struggling in light of recent difficulties. This article offers some ideas because “if you need inspiration, look no further than the man of the day, who underscored to us that ‘life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘what are you doing for others?’”
We hope these ideas will inspire you to take some time today to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We wish you a safe holiday!
