Commemorate MLK Day by helping others

1/14/2021

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “One of life’s most persistent and urgent questions is: What are you doing for others?” This year, it’s more important than ever to embrace this philosophy.

As we celebrate his legacy on Monday, Jan. 18, we can embody his compassion for those less privileged, including the poor, the unemployed and the homeless. He believed that everyone should have the opportunity to realize their dreams.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions this year, our school will honor Dr. King’s legacy by participating in a “Do Good from Home” service project for Solidarity of Sandy Springs. The Upper School Cultural Alliance will prepare bags of snacks to deliver to Solidarity Sandy Springs – a food pantry dedicated to helping families feel uplifted, supported and food secure. Primary and Lower school students are coloring “Thinking of You” cards that will be placed in each bag for delivery on MLK Day.

Here are a few virtual and at-home activities you and your family may engage in to commemorate Dr. King and his legacy:

Watch
- Streaming now: The original animated short “Sit-In” celebrates the power of youth to change history. It follows three friends as they learn about the sit-ins of the Civil Rights era, and powerfully apply those lessons to issues we all face today. Written by Atlanta’s best-selling author, playwright and civil rights activist Pearl Cleage.
- 10 a.m. Jan. 18: “Restore the Dream. Repair Our World,” Martin Luther King Jr. Day Virtual Program presented by the Cobb County Government and Cobb County Branch of the NAACP. This program is emceed by WSB-TV anchor Fred Blankenship. Tune in on CobbCounty.org/CobbTV, Facebook.com/CobbCountyGovernment or YouTube.com/CobbCountyGovt
- 2:30 p.m. Monday, January 18: “The Palefsky Collision Project” – Join nine emerging artists as they reimagine the summer 2020 Palefsky Collision Project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and all civil rights activists. Directed by Patrick McColery in collaboration with Pearl Cleage, playwright.
Participate in a day of service, giving your family time to help someone less fortunate. Hands-On Atlanta is offering virtual volunteer opportunities, as well as events for social good, during the month of January. Visit handsonatlanta.org for details.
Read or listen to Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered Aug. 28, 1963, in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and discuss its significance, simplifying his message for younger children and going more in-depth with tweens.
Help your child gather gently used toys or books they no longer use and donate them. Consider donating to Ronald McDonald House, which supports children undergoing medical treatment; The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, which supports abused children; CHRIS kids, which focuses on foster care children; or church daycare facilities and women’s shelters. Call ahead to find out the needs of each organization.
Make a paper doll chain with your young child, then color the “people” colors of the rainbow to teach the value that skin color does not define who you are or whether you will realize your dreams.
Set up a video camera or use your phone and ask your children to talk about their hopes and dreams. Do it every year, and you will have a keepsake to treasure when they are thoughtful, caring and compassionate adults.

Commemorate MLK Day by helping others

Main Campus

Primary School