Today I am especially grateful for role models like MLK Jr. and for MLK Day – a day usually of service but in this covid world, a day spent in reflection and conversation with the kids. I firmly believe that everyday should include a teachable moment and since the husband and I both had off, it was a good day to talk about what this day means.

This day is now celebrated annually on the third Monday of January (although Dr. King’s actual birthday is January 15) and celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister and activist. His championing of nonviolence protest and civil disobedience to fight racial inequality, inspired by his own religious beliefs and also a nod to the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi, has served as a template to future activists and demonstrators.

In a country going through some things, its become more important to teach my kids daily about tolerance, to be mindful of their words and actions and to be allies and friends to all good people they encounter on their life journeys.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

The time is always right to do what is right.

A riot is the language of the unheard.

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

Free at last, Free at last, Thank God almighty we are free at last.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

** Photo credit for thumbnail of MLK Jr HERE