Monday, January 18, 2010

A holiday for grandma-ma

Hello my raviolis.  Today, in Atlanta, we celebrate Martin Luther King Day. 


Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 15, 1929 into a family of pastors--both his father and his grandfather served as pastors for many years. King came of age in a time where black and white people were separated in much of the U.S. The two groups were unable to attend the same schools, drink from the same water fountains, or eat in the same restaurants.  Reverend King fought to change this way of thinking by using non-violent protest. For more than ten years, King’s inspiring speeches (he gave more than 2,500 in his lifetime) earned him followers across the United States and internationally. He travelled millions of miles; led protest marches, sit-ins and boycotts (which often led to his arrest) everywhere he saw racial disparity; published five books, numerous articles and essays, including the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” now famously known as the call to action for the civil rights movement; and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

He is best remembered for delivering his 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech in front of a quarter of a million people in the Mall in Washington, DC.  His hope for a nation that will not judge people by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character has become important words on how we should treat each other. 

Today, many people celebrate MLK Day by using this holiday as a day of service...to help others who are not as fortunate as you and I may be.  Many volunteer at soup kitchens, homeless shelters, they read to children at local libraries, they bring meals to elderly people, or they provide assistance to their community. 



Here is a fun coloring page of different children of the world.  You can print it out and color it today.  Have a wonderful day my raviolis and remember to always be kind to those you meet.  Hugs and kisses to you all.  Love Grandma-ma and Grampy

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