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Reading Activity: Martin Luther King Jr.
W ho W as M artin Luther King, Jr.?
Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1929, never backed down in
his stand against racism. He dedicated his life to achieving equality and justice for all Americans of all
colors. King believed that peaceful refusal to obey unjust law was the best way to bring about social
change.
Dr. King emphasized the struggles of African-Americans and he devoted his life to the freedom of all
Americans. As long as even one of us was not free, he believed, none of us could be truly free.
Dr. King was assassinated in 1968.
W hat is M artin Luther King Jr. Day?
(G oes with-
Activity: Choose the right word)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a U.S. holiday that celebrates the birth date of one of America’s greatest civil
rights leaders. Dr. King’s birthday is January 15th, but the actual holiday is on the third Monday in
January—this year it is the 18.
The holiday recognizes the great achievements Martin Luther King made to American society. His
leadership to achieve equal rights for black Americans changed America forever.
His focus on non-violent protests led to new laws that ended racial discrimination in America. The USA
became a more equal society.
W hat is the M arch on W ashington
In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. helped to organize the famous "March on Washington". Over 250,000
people attended this march to show the importance of civil rights. Some of the issues the march hoped to
accomplish included an end to segregation in public schools, protection from police abuse, and to get
laws passed that would end discrimination in employment.
Martin gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. This speech has become one of the most famous speeches in
history. The March on Washington was a great success.
Why do you think these people went to the march?
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Reading Activity: Martin Luther King Jr.
I have a Dream Speech
Have you ever heard Dr, King's "I Have a Dream" speech?
Link to Speech: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm
2nd Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vDWWy4CMhE
What did he say that stood out to you? Why?
Circle the correct word to complete the sentence.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a U.S. holiday that celebrating / celebrates the birth date / dates of
one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders.
Dr. King’s date of birth is January 15th, but the actually / actual holiday is on the third Monday in
January.
The holiday recognizes the great / grate achievements Martin Luther King made to American society.
His leadership to achieve equals / equal rights for black Americans changed America forever.
His focus on non-violent protests led to new laws that ended racially / racial discrimination in America.
The holiday is only one / once of four national holidays in America to remember a person.
This shows just how im portance / im portant Martin Luther King was – one of the greatest Americans
ever.
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Reading Activity: Martin Luther King Jr.
Conversation and Create for I have a Dream
Conversation Question:
Do you think all Americans are truly free?
Why or why not?
Do you have any dreams?
Who or what do you have a dream for?
Create:
Draw and decorate these as you talk to one another. On the back, write: "I have a dream of …"
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Reading Activity: Martin Luther King Jr.
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Reading Activity: Martin Luther King Jr.
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Reading Activity: Martin Luther King Jr.
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Reading Activity: Martin Luther King Jr.
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Reading Activity: Martin Luther King Jr.
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