The Kindest People: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A great way to learn more about Martin Luther King and some of the important leaders of the Civil Rights Movement is to explore the Who Was?? Series.
Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr. was authored by Bonnie Bader and Who HQ, and illustrated by Elizabeth Wolf.
ABOUT WHO WAS MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.?
A super-smart boy who skipped two grades
A man who believed in peaceful protest
A great leader of the civil rights movement
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was only 25 when he helped organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott and was soon organizing black people across the country in support of the right to vote, desegregation, and other basic civil rights. Maintaining nonviolent and peaceful tactics even when his life was threatened, King was also an advocate for the poor and spoke out against racial and economic injustice until his death from an assassin's bullet in 1968. With clearly written text that explains this tumultuous time in history and 80 black-and-white illustrations, this Who Was?? celebrates the vision and the legacy of a remarkable man.
You can also find stories about Coretta Scott King and Rosa Parks as part of the Who Was?? Series.
Common Sense Media recommends Selma as "Great for Families," calling it an outstanding drama about MLK's fight for equal rights.
If you take the time to watch Selma, be it at home or in the class, take time to look at these questions that Common Sense Media has created to get learners thinking as they reflect on the film.
- Families can talk about why Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most influential people of the 20th century. What is the lasting legacy of the civil rights movement? How have things changed since 1965 when Selma takes place? How haven't they?
- How do the lessons from the civil rights movement apply today? Are people still discriminated against? How can that be remedied? What methods could kids today use to protest injustice? What are the differences between a protest and a riot? How does the media typically depict protests?
- How does Selma promote courage and integrity? What about self-control and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
- Why are voters' rights still in the news? Are you interested in learning more about civil rights and how they're still being fought for in the United States? How could you do that?
- Some have criticized Selma for bending the truth in the way certain figures in the movie are portrayed -- particularly President Johnson. Why might filmmakers not adhere strictly to the facts? Do you think that undermines the movie's message in any way? How could you find out more about the actual events and people portrayed in the film?
An inspirational film that helps The Kindest Generation understand the struggles faced by some of the Civil Right Movement's most courageous leaders.
Common Sense Media recommends Selma as "Great for Families," calling it an outstanding drama about MLK's fight for equal rights.
If you take the time to watch Selma, be it at home or in the class, take time to look at these questions that Common Sense Media has created to get learners thinking as they reflect on the film.
- Families can talk about why Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most influential people of the 20th century. What is the lasting legacy of the civil rights movement? How have things changed since 1965 when Selma takes place? How haven't they?
- How do the lessons from the civil rights movement apply today? Are people still discriminated against? How can that be remedied? What methods could kids today use to protest injustice? What are the differences between a protest and a riot? How does the media typically depict protests?
- How does Selma promote courage and integrity? What about self-control and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
- Why are voters' rights still in the news? Are you interested in learning more about civil rights and how they're still being fought for in the United States? How could you do that?
- Some have criticized Selma for bending the truth in the way certain figures in the movie are portrayed -- particularly President Johnson. Why might filmmakers not adhere strictly to the facts? Do you think that undermines the movie's message in any way? How could you find out more about the actual events and people portrayed in the film?
An inspirational film that helps The Kindest Generation understand the struggles faced by some of the Civil Right Movement's most courageous leaders.
Published on what would have been Martin Luther King's 90th birthday, this Newsela article focused on how The Kindest Generation are carrying on his mission and vision.
The article references Martin Luther King's only granddaughter, who made headlines at the age of 10 at the "March for Our Lives" Rally.
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