Martin Luther King Jr. Day, also known as MLK Day is Jan. 15. It’s a day to take a moment and celebrate one of the most influential people of our time.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a social activist who non-violently fought for equality, especially for Black people, during the civil rights movement. King’s mission was to promote inclusion and diversity in a segregated world.
Today, America is integrated, but we still have work to do.
Educators emphasize that teaching children about diversity is crucial for fostering empathy, understanding and tolerance. Diverse literature and open conversations help children appreciate differences and celebrate similarities.
“One thing they can do is to drop the fear factor: the fear of knowing and understanding the other. A second thing they can do is to welcome the discomfort that comes along with knowing,” said Don Harrell, a Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Central Florida.
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s perspectives. Engaging in open conversations about race, ethnicity, and differences helps children navigate a diverse world with empathy and understanding.
“A third thing that people can do is to engage in their own particular study, in the context of other cultures, of other peoples, and understand the commonality,” Harrell said.
Through education, dialogue, and community engagement, we can pass on the values that will help build a more inclusive society.
Another way to promote diversity and inclusion in the classroom, and at home, is by sharing helpful resources, including books and pamphlets like “Addressing Race and Trauma in the Classroom: a resource for educators,” “Learning for Justice,” and “Beyond Heroes and Holidays.”