Conversation-starting books and movies about the life of Martin Luther King Jr. that you can download today
This post is sponsored by The Family Dinner Project.
This month, The Family Dinner Project has partnered with Points of Light’s America’s Sunday Supper to inspire #familydinnerforward, a movement inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision of people of diverse backgrounds interacting on personal levels. They are asking people to pledge to host an America’s Sunday Supper, which encourages people to share a meal and discuss issues that affect their communities, to increase racial and cultural understanding and, to promote unity.
I love the idea of having an intentional dinnertime discussion around race, and what better day to do it? I know that race conversations can feel daunting, but one easy way to start the conversation is to discuss a book or movie that portrays the civil rights movement. Here are some great conversation-starting movies that are available to watch online:
This video is a read-aloud version of the book Martin’s Big Words. It’s rich with pictures and not too long . . . perfect for younger kids.
This animated short called The King and His Dream is a great overview of MLK’s life for kids of all ages:
This full-length animated movie Our Friend Martin is a bit dated, but it’s a great story about a boy who travels back in time to when MLK was alive.
And for older kids or adults, watching the I Have a Dream speech is a great yearly tradition. Here is a shorter version condensed down to five minutes.
Are your kids fans of Kid President? To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech, Kid President received the high honor of being invited to be part of the event. Here is what happened.
1. A Lesson for Martin Luther King, Jr.
2. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington
3. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
4. Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?
5. Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr.
6. March On!: The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World
7. Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
8. My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers
It’s not too late to plan a family dinner tonight that incorporates a talk about race, and hopefully some of these resources can help you get started. Check out The Family Dinner Project for more films and conversation starters, plus great tips for organizing service projects on Martin Luther King Jr., Day.
