How did you celebrate MLKing's Holiday?

SeriousSigma22 · #1 01-21-2002, 07:30 PM

SoRHOrs and Sisterfriends,

Some of the senior government classes went around and asked different students in the building if they understood or planned on doing something to remember Martin Luther King's birthday on Monday, January 21, 2002. And most of the students replies would deeply upset you. Some of the kids didn't really know anything about the work of Dr. King or the Civil Rights Movement. And still others believed that his great works were a thing of the past (I'm talking about many children of color - African American, Hispanics, Asians, etc.). However, a few said that they were going to participate in different King celebrations and some others said that they were going to volunteer to work with the homeless or others in need. It seems that every year students of color really don't care to hear how Martin, Malcolm, Marcus, Dubois, Stokely, and the many thousands of others fought for African Americans and other people of color to be treated like decent human beings!

It also seems that many of our children don't really care to hear about the struggles of our people. As a history and social studies educator and lover of the subject this is very upsetting to see so many folks turn a deaf ear to such a serious cause. I guess my point to this lengthy post is this-- how do we reach the lost? I know that I decided to spend quality time on Friday, Jan 18, 2002 (after school) educating some of my students that really didn't know what Dr. King did for African Americans and all people.

I guess I have several questions to ask you (sorors and sisterfriends):

Should we (educators, community leaders, bglos, parents)change our tactics to reach the lost?
Should we continue with what seems like a lost cause?
How did you celebrate Dr. King's birthday?

Serioussigma22

DOVE1920 · #2 01-22-2002, 01:36 PM

Unfortunately my school doesn't not have a formal recognition of MLK day. So our BSU organized a silent march and we marched around campus for about an hour. We came back to the student center and had cake and juice. Later on that evening there was a panel disccussion on the legacy of MLK. The week prior we had a prayer breakfast that was pretty well attended. Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to see it. I was working coat check!

prettypoodle6 · #3 01-22-2002, 04:49 PM

unfortunately i had to work yesterday so i didnt do anything.

i managed to run home on my lunch break and catch the parade for a few, but that was all.

I will definately take the day off next year and celebrate like i'd have liked to.

SweetestDiva · #4 01-22-2002, 05:51 PM

I attend a predominantly white university that didn't even have it's first black graduate until 1965

. There are about 1,000 black folks on campus, so you would think they all came out to support the program yesterday, right? Y'all, it was pitiful. I was looking around like "what is wrong with this picture"? I digress...

Anyway, we had a candlelight march around campus which convened at a nearby chapel. There we had a program with a few choirs, a couple of praise dancers and a DYNAMIC sermon from a minister who came in from Princeton. I enjoyed it immensely... I just wish more of us would have come out.

SeriousSigma22 · #5 01-22-2002, 07:20 PM

SoRhors and Sisterfriends,

It just seems like the purpose of MLK day is to celebrate the life and legacy of a great and leader, not only for African Americans, but for all human beings. And because some places of employment and school systems, whether at the elementary, secondary or collegiate level, display such a lack of support or concern to properly educate the masses about the great works that he and many others did and are continuing to do for us that many of the youth will never truly understand the importance of civil rights. (Sorry that it's so wordy but this is how I feel at this moment!)

Serioussigma22

NinjaPoodle · #6 01-25-2002, 09:35 PM

I spent the day at the celebration put on by the city of San Francisco, (2 largest celebration right behind Atlanta, GA). I took the Freedom Train from San Jose, (1 hour south of SF) and then marched down to the Civic Center and then into the Bill Graham Auditorium. Speakers, poems, music, and so much love! That's what it's all about.

Thank you Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.!!

SeriousSigma22 · #7 01-26-2002, 10:35 PM

Soror NinjaPoodle,

It sounds like you really had a great time celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. thanks sorhor!

Serioussigma22

NinjaPoodle · #8 01-28-2002, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SeriousSigma22
Soror NinjaPoodle,

It sounds like you really had a great time celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. thanks sorhor!

Serioussigma22

Soror,
You know, this year, the day had more meaning (for obvious reasons). I did have a good time but most importantly, I listened to the speakers and took to heart what they said and what Dr. King said and apply those senitments to my everyday life. I hope everyone else does also.

rho4life · #9 01-14-2005, 03:13 AM

ttt

TRSimon · #10 01-14-2005, 02:57 PM

From putting on programs to attending them to marches, working with the homeless, you name it, I have done it for MLK Day. I usually celebrate his real birthday, too (which is easy to remember for me, cause it's my folks' wedding anniversary - what can I say, I get that militant streak from somewhere

)

This year, I will most likely remember and reflect personally and talk with my children about the man, the movement and its effect on us today. Last year, I supported the local brunch, which was sponsored by my city's African American newspaper. I have worn all black just about every year since I was a teenager in respect and recognition, and it has started some interesting conversations.

It is really sad that children aren't being taught the about the full impact of the Civil Rights Struggle (or that it continues today - but that's another thread for another time).

I went to a predominantly black elementary school, and we wrote so many black history reports that it wasn't even funny

. I did not like the extra work at the time, but looking back on it all these years later, I am really appreciative that my elders sought to make me and my classmates learn of all the great things our people had accomplished and contributed to the history of this nation.

Virtual Violet · #11 01-15-2005, 09:00 PM

I spent Saturday (1.15.05) taking out DelTeens to the HBCU fair at Navy Pier in Chicago. I picked up extra infomation to hand out to some of our Jabberwock cotillion escorts, since we didn't take any young men on our trip. Sunday, I may attend a celebration at church.

SeriousSigma22 · #12 01-16-2005, 07:52 PM

SisterGreek V.V.,

That was very nice and on point! More of our youth really need to understand the importance of getting into a decent college and HBCUs truly can help them reach their goals.

Serioussigma22

I've been watching several of the specials with Tim Reid on TVOne and my church held a special reflection and prayer today during the service.

rho4life · #13 01-11-2006, 05:33 PM

Just checking in..... I have the day off, but there are probably still going to be some die hards who show up at my office.

TheEpitome1920 · #14 01-11-2006, 06:59 PM

Today I attended Florida State's MLK Celebration. Bernice King was the speaker and there were a variety of presentations. Bernice is a wonderful speaker! I have the actual holiday off so I'll be involved in some service.

stepnationals · #15 01-13-2006, 07:15 PM

My brothers (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Charlotte, (NC) Alumni Chapter will be walking in the MLK Parade downtown Charlotte on this Saturday at 11am. Cant wait.

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