On a recent family trip to Atlanta, we immersed ourselves in the profound legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, museum, and neighborhoods where he grew up and lived as an adult. While MLK’s impactful words have always resonated in my mind, witnessing the results of the tireless work by both him and Coretta Scott King toward justice, peace, and equality was an incredibly powerful experience.
A highlight of the center was the eternal flame monument, symbolizing the ongoing effort to realize Dr. King’s vision for a world of justice, peace, and equality for all mankind. The ground in front of the monument declared: “The Dream Lives, The Legacy Continues.” This statement struck a chord with me, reflecting not only on how I am continuing his legacy but also how we, as parents, are instilling these values in our children.
At home, we frequently discuss Dr. King, prompting our curious 4-year-old daughter to ask many questions while exploring the center. Although she may not fully grasp the magnitude of Dr. King’s impact yet, she is beginning to comprehend the small actions, even at a young age, she can take to continue his legacy. Our belief is that children are never too young to learn about and understand the impact, whether big or small, that they can make.
Recognizing the influential role parents play, we have an opportunity to mold the values our children will carry into the future. Let’s transform MLK’s beliefs into steps our families can take to continue his legacy:
Teaching Love and Compassion
Helping our children understand the meaning of compassion is crucial. We can start by instilling in them the belief that compassion isn’t just a virtue but a powerful force for positive change. We can use this to guide them in seeing the world’s problems as opportunities to extend a hand rather than burdens to ignore.
Fostering Inclusivity
Teaching our children to celebrate differences and uniqueness is an important step for fostering inclusivity. We can promote diverse friendships for our children and actively seek out diverse spaces and experiences for them. Living in a city full of family-friendly festivals and events that highlight different races and cultures provides us with countless opportunities to celebrate our differences.
Empowering through Education
We play a vital role in sharing the truth and history, even when it’s uncomfortable. Addressing stereotypes, explaining their harmful effects, and emphasizing the importance of being allies are ongoing conversations we can have with our children. Expose them to books, videos and television shows with diverse main characters. Visit historical sites related to civil rights and social justice to provide valuable context and inspiration for their commitment to love and compassion.
Encouraging Courageous Conversations
Age-appropriate conversations about race and racism should happen throughout the year, not just on MLK day. Encouraging discussions about skin color and diversity from a young age creates a safe space for our children to ask questions and learn. Start the conversations early by reading stories from St. Louis Black children’s authors. As your children grow, use role-playing to help them understand different perspectives and discussing current events can keep the conversation alive.
Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
Actively supporting black-owned businesses is a tangible way to contribute. Use the St. Louis Mom guide to Black-owned businesses to find businesses you can support year-round. Visit festivals & events where you can support local vendors. Use social media to show continued support for these businesses and vendors.
Leading by Example
As parents, we are powerful role models. Modeling compassion, engaging in courageous conversations, and emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and growth are essential. Setting up opportunities to volunteer and give back reinforces the idea that these practices are ongoing and require a conscious effort.
Our visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center served as a powerful reminder that by incorporating these principles into our daily lives, we contribute to keeping Dr. King’s dream and legacy alive—one filled with justice, peace, and equality for all.
