SHARING HIS DREAM

On January 15th, we celebrated the birth of an extraordinary human and great American. Most of us are aware of the super human efforts Martin Luther King Jr. made to help bring about justice for the oppressed people of the United States. We are familiar with his dream, “That [his] four children would one day live in a nation where they would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

  

He was an exceptional orator and his words resonate well with students. After studying and listening to Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream Speech” I asked some 8^th graders to put into their own words what King was striving for. Here are a few of their surprisingly insightful responses.

Katrina stated, “The steps that Dr. King believes that Americans must take to make the American dream a reality is to change the world into a brotherhood. People have to come to see that no individual can live alone, no nation can survive alone.”

John believes, “King was hoping to fulfill his dream that men of all races, of all nationalities and of all creeds can live together as brothers.”

Sydney thinks, “Dr. King believed that Americans must take legal steps to make his dream a reality. “

“Kerry wrote, “He says that soon all men will sit together at a table of brotherhood because all men are created equal. That everyone will live in freedom and justice one day. That no one will be judged by the color of their skin. That is his dream.”

Stephen affirmed, “He is notifying the people that the time to solve the problem of racism is now. It would be bad for the nation to procrastinate on solving this problem. He also states that there will be consequences if minorities do not get their citizenship rights.”

Ashley asserted, “Martin Luther King’s dream was that even Alabama would be transformed into a place where Black and White people can live together in peace and happiness. He dreamt that all the people would see the Lord’s glory and from the people’s faith would come hope to transform our nation into a place where different people can live amongst each other happily.”

If you are looking to remember and learn a bit more about one of the most influential visionaries in American history, here are a few great reads:

Adults will enjoy The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. It is actually a biography written by Stanford University historian Clayborne Carson. It begins with a forward by Coretta Scott King.

Third graders and up will enjoy I Have a Dream: The Story of MLK, Jr., by Margaret Davidson. Davidson shows how one man, armed with strong convictions and an excellent education, changed the way African Americans were treated. It puts in plain words King’s philosophy of non-violence.

Very young readers will benefit from, A Picture Book of MLK, Jr. by David Adler. Adler highlights Dr. King’s dream of a world free of hate, prejudice and violence.

To experience his oratory greatness, go to your local library and check out one of the many films on his life and labors or go to, www.youtube.com and search for MLK speeches.

His words of brotherly love, hope and equality have weathered the test of time and we can all benefit from studying, reflecting and acting on his message.

Contact Margaret Lavin at elementarydays@gmail.com.

STUDENTS REFLECT ON DR. KING'S DREAM

How different America may have looked if Martin Luther King, Jr.’s magnanimous life was not brutally cut short. We can only imagine what great causes he would have inspired, and the progress he could have made toward his vision of justice, equality and brotherly love. We can, however, reflect on his words and deeds and share them with future generations.

Children especially grasp his devotion to, and love for, American ideals. I conversed with some 5th graders about MLK’s work and we openly discussed our own visions of equality, freedom and the meaning of brotherly love. I was astounded by their mature, in-depth understanding of King’s message and was grateful they shared their ambitions for themselves, their family, and the world they live in.

Almost all the kids expressed the desire to spend more time with their family and a longing for peace between family members - a response I took to heart as a working parent, and often short-tempered mom.

There were a few who were blissfully satisfied.

Lee said his “family is okay as it is.”

Emily announced, “I don’t dream for my family. It is already perfect. I can’t dream of something better.”

Alex took the concept of family global. “One day in Alabama, everyone will hold hands, not just African Americans, but white people too. Freedom, peace, togetherness and love is what he wanted, not fighting. [He] wanted the world to be a family.”

Zach discussed King’s strive for justice. “He wanted to have everything be fair. He didn’t care if you were white or African American. He wanted to have the same schools, bathrooms and other things.”

Nora has lofty aspirations for herself as well as the world. “I dream of becoming an independent woman and inventing a teleporter. I have a dream that the world will one day afford a house for everyone, no matter how poor they are.”

Future financier Brian saw the economic side of King. “I dream that the world [would have] a more efficient economy so people don’t end up poor and having to owe money to other people and the bank.”

Sasha included profound and heartfelt objectives for her school, herself and the world. “I dream that my school would be 100 percent bully-free so I won’t be picked on by classmates again,” she said. “I dream the world would be safer and a better place with no more guns that are made to murder people. There should be a law that guns are only for hunting animals to make food and clothing.”

Taylor is also concerned about bullies. “I have a dream for my school and that is that people will not be bullied because of what they are wearing or how they look.”

One student’s heart-wrenching confession left a strong and lasting impression. “I have a dream that I would eat less and become skinny and that I would not have Asperger’s syndrome and I am always good at school.”

I hope these brave and sincere students have encouraged you to converse with your family, discuss hopes and dreams and strive for peace at home and beyond. Martin Luther King’s words of hope, love and freedom are worth studying, reflecting and discussing and so are the dreams of children.

Contact Margaret Lavin at elementarydays@gmail.com.