Martin Luther King Jr.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.“
-Martin Luther King Jr.

In the past, I always took this day for granted; I never resonated with the importance and sanctity of it. As a kid, I ignorantly appreciated it because it was a day off of school. As a young adult, I again, ignorantly appreciated it because it was an extension of my weekend.

Now, as a mom of two young kids, my views and thoughts about this day have drastically changed. I’ve done a lot of self-reflecting and learning since the events in the summer: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. I’ve committed to educating myself, and beginning to have those hard conversations with own kids. I now understand the importance of remembering Martin Luther King Jr., and all the other brave people that have fought so tirelessly for equal rights for all people of color.

As usual, my go-to is using authentic books to begin the conversations. Here are a few books to help celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement. Please remember, books should not be the “end-all” answer. They are simply a door to get you started with some much tougher conversations!