It is the third Monday in January, and many Americans are volunteering! Some take meals to older adults. Others work together to help clean up community spaces like parks. Why are they doing this? It is Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day. This U.S. holiday gives millions of Americans the chance to honor civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by serving others in their communities.
Carrying On the Dream
On August 28, 1963, Dr. King gave a speech in Washington, D.C. It was called "I Have a Dream." In this speech, Dr. King shared his vision for America. He pictured a country in which all people could live as equals. Sadly, Dr. King was killed in 1968. He was just 39 years old. Shortly after, those closest to him began calling for a holiday to honor his life and work.
It would take 15 years to reach that goal, but MLK Day finally became a U.S. holiday in 1983. Even so, several states refused to observe it. And many Americans saw it as just another day off from school or work. Dr. King's family and friends wanted to change that. They had an idea. What if Americans celebrated MLK Day by performing acts of kindness for others? In this way, people could carry on Dr. King's dream.
A Day to Serve
In 1994, MLK Day became a National Day of Service. This is a special day on which all Americans are called to volunteer. Each year, more and more people participate in MLK Day. Now there are also activities in all 50 states. Many MLK Day events are open to people of all ages—even students! Dr. King once said, "Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve." MLK Day allows people young and old to do just that!
How might students take part in MLK Day? There are many ways. In past years, kids in Raleigh, North Carolina, made meals for families in need. Children in Olympia, Washington, wrote letters of kindness to their neighbors. In Kansas City, Missouri, students painted school-approved notes of encouragement on school walls.
What Will You Do?
Do you want to take part in MLK Day? There are many ways to serve! And you don't even have to leave home to give back. Consider shoveling snow for a neighbor. Or send a card of thanks to your teachers. You could also create your own piece of art to honor Dr. King.
By making MLK Day a day of service, citizens are seeking to continue the leader's dream of justice for all. They are also answering what Dr. King said was life's most urgent question: "What are you doing for others?"
Think about the article. Which happened first?
a. Martin Luther King Jr. Day finally became a U.S. holiday.
b. . Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech in Washington D.C.
c. Several states refused to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
d. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was made a National Day of Service.
7 answers
a. in a book about important leaders in history
b. on a website for people who want to help others
c. in a book about things to do on U.S. holidays
d. on a website with maps of places in the U.S.
a. It would take 15 years to reach that goal, but MLK Day finally became a U.S. holiday in 1983.
b. This U.S. holiday gives millions of Americans the chance to honor civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
c. Children in Olympia, Washington, wrote letters of kindness to their neighbors.
d. On August 28, 1963, Dr. King gave a speech in Washington, D.C.
On August 28, 1963, Dr. King gave a speech in Washington, D.C. It was called "I Have a Dream." In this speech, Dr. King shared his vision for America. He pictured a country in which all people could live as equals.
Which words from the passage help you understand the meaning of the word vision?
a. in which all people
b. gave a speech
c. it was called
d. he pictured a country