Martin Luther King, Jr. Lesson Plan

..."No other day of the year brings so many peoples from different cultural backgrounds together in such a vibrant spirit of brother and sisterhood. Whether you are African-American, Hispanic or Native American, whether you are Caucasian or Asian-American, you are part of the great dream Martin Luther King, Jr. had for America. This is not a black holiday; it is a peoples' holiday. And it is the young people of all races and religions who hold the keys to the fulfillment of his dream." 
~ Coretta Scott King

Teachers: Use the following story written by John Lewis about Martin Luther King Jr. to inspire compassion and activism in your students, and ask them to identify a civil rights issue they can learn more about for this day of service.

The following story was written by Congressman John Lewis about his hero Martin Luther King Jr., the most influential civil rights leader in American history. Martin Luther King Jr. worked hard to understand human nature and its need for philosophical or spiritual guidance in order to create great change. This is his legacy that we all have come to respect and admire. His study of others who went before him gave him the wisdom to follow a good and righteous course in furthering the civil rights of all American citizens. 

Discussion Questions

1. How does this story by John Lewis communicate to others the influence that Martin Luther King Jr. had on the United States of America?

2. How important are stories about our own national leaders who have influenced large segments of people who live in other countries?

3. How does Martin Luther King's humanity and compassion for others inspire each of us to learn more about how we can make a difference in our own communities?

The March on Washington in 1963 was a pivotal moment in the history of civil rights. What changes were made after this peaceful protest? What still needs to be done today to ensure equal rights for all? Who is working towards that goal in your community, country or globally? What can you do? 

Discussion Questions

1.  How did Bayard Rustin, Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, and/or Mahatma Gandhi inspire Martin Luther King Jr.?

2. Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt, Marian Wright Edelman, and Barack Obama were inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. What effect did he have on each of their lives?

3. Who is an advocate for equal rights in your community or country? Share his or her story with MY HERO.

4. Who in your family or community inspires you? 

Discussion Questions

1. Martin Luther King Jr. is a hero for many people in the United States and globally. What do you admire about Martin Luther King Jr.?

2. How has Martin Luther King Jr. made a lasting impact that still exists today?

3. Students discuss their civil rights heroes and are encouraged to submit the story of their hero to MY HERO. 

Discussion Questions

1. Robert Shetterly and Traven Sherrod included text in their portraits of Martain Luther King Jr. How do these words add to the message of the portraits?

2. Marilyn Huerta uses broad brushstrokes and bright colors in her portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. Consider creating a portrait of your civil rights activist hero in the same style. 

3. Notice the symbolism in Rattasart's painting. Click on the painting to read his explanation of the message he is expressing. 

After the assault on the United States Capital on January 6, 2021, it is more important than ever to stand up against unlawfulness, honor those who promote democratic values and learn to tell the difference between credible information and misinformation. Use MY HERO's multimedia resources Promoting Voting Rights and Democracy to honor those who worked to secure voting rights for all and uphold the values of democracy, including those outlined in the US Constitution.