Get Ready For an Important Day
I don’t know what January is like where you live dear reader, but here in Shady Pines Story Town this first month of the year can be really cold. Sometimes we even get snow.
Today is one of those dark, dreary days. 
You need a bright outfit and a buddy to find a palyful activity to keep you busy.
Or maybe, a cup of hot chocolate helps you beat back the winter blues.
I like to sit by the fire in a comfy chair and read stories on days like this. What about you?
Well. Would you lookey there. It seems that’s just what Edna is doing at the Sanders’ house. With her husband, Harold by her side, she delights in reading out loud to her four legged children.
Of course Boomerang, the Australian Shepherd dog and Halley’s Comet, a silver streak of a cat, have no idea what she’s saying. Or do they?
“Hey Halley,” says Boomer. “Who’s this Martin guy?”
Halley yawns. “I have no idea. Mom’s making him seem important.”
Boomer stretches from the tip of his bobbed tail to the top of his floppy ears. “Sounds like he was a really big deal.”
Halley tilts her elegant gray head. “What’s a national holiday?”
Why, of course. Edna is reading to the kids about Martin Luther King. That national holiday they’re talking about is in his honor. This year it falls on Monday, January 19th.
Who Is Martin Luther King, Jr?
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. made it his life’s work to bring compassion, fairness and equality to all Americans.
The truth is, not everyone believed the way he did in the 1950’s and ’60’s. To bring about change, Dr. King became a social activist and civil rights leader.
He lived in the South. Back then, he saw that Black (Colored) people did not have the same rights as White people.
King led peaceful marches and nonviolent protests chanting, “We Shall Overcome.”
Guided By Family, Faith and The Constitution
Martin became a Baptist minister. His faith guided him to believe in justice and the United States Constitution.
That one-of-a-kind document says that all people in this country have the same rights no matter the color of their hair, skin, religion, age, disability or nationality.
Dr.King was married to Coretta Scott King. She helped him lead the way during the civil rights movement. They were married nearly 15 years.
Together they devoted their lives to his Dream of Equality for All.
Thousands of people crowded together for his famous speech on the mall in Washington DC where he declared that dream.
Sadly, not long after that, Dr. King was shot to death by an assasin on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Dream Lives On
Monday at the Shady Pines Community Center our Director, Rita Mallena, will lead our celebration of Martin Luther King Day.
Children will be asked to think about their dreams. What inspires them? Or who?
They’ll also be asked to share their ideas about ways we should treat people with kindness and respect.
Ray Robinson will be there. He’s been learning about Dr. King in school. He’ll talk about ways kids and their families can make the world a better place through peaceful change, just like Dr. King did. 
What Would Martin Say?
As we look around at our country today, what do you think Martin Luther King would say to us if he were here? Would he be happy about the way we act around people who are different from us?
Just something to think about this Monday, January 19th as we celebrate a man who tried to make positive change for us all!
A very important man and thank you for the reminder. Never forget. Thank you!
Thank you Tricia!
Always inspirational and timely! Thank you Shady Pines!
Thank you Amy!
Interesting take. Very good post
This is a very interesting take on the holiday. Disturbing times when MLK was fighting for civil rights and disturbing times now
Maryjane I think we needed this reminder of what Dr King believed in and how he wanted us to live. Thank you.
Thank you Sharon
This made me think
Why do I keep feeling like we’re going backwards instead of making progress? Have we learned nothing from history?
Thank you to Shady Pines for helping us use the past to navigate the present. Let’s hope we can learn something!
Thank you also for bringing my favorite duo Boomer and Halley into the learning moment.
Glad you enjoy Boomer and Halley. Thank you for the comment Sheri!
Very well expressed, if only the people who need to hear this message would hear it and learn from its message then MLK’s words could make the world a better place.
Well said Teresa. Thank you!
hank you for this important post
MLK must be rolling over in his grave
What I love about MLK is the way that he inspired us to see our humanity through the lense of kindness, goodness and love. Thank you for continuing to share this important message.
Thank you Tamara. Well said
It’s heartbreaking to think of all that Dr. King sacrificed and endured for the sake of equality is being erased. We are going backward instead of forward.
A sad truth Stephanie
I imagine Dr. King would be very depressed at what he would see today
Very well written Mary Jane. Unfortunately MLK is crying… 3 steps forward, 6 steps back!
He just might be Barbara!
Beautiful story. A very traumatic time in America. Thank you Mary Jane for reminding us that the struggle for equality is on-going.
Thank you for the comment Kathleen!
Really well done
I can’t even imagine what Matin Luther King would say if he saw the divisions in America today. Thank you for reminding us about higher aspirations
I think MLK would be very disappointed at the state of the country right now
This is a beautiful tribute for MLK
An incredibly strong believer of equal rights for ALL. Hopefully all residents and children will read this delightful story of how important MLK was & still is, to WE
the American people.
Thank you Jane. Appreciate it!
…and a National Day of Service in some areas. His monument in DC is worth the visit.
Two good points Alan. Thank you!
Sad to say Dr. King’s message of treating each other equally and respectfully needs to be encouraged.
Doesn’t it though? Thank you Elaine
This is sneaky good. I had no idea where you were going and then Wham! You hit me with some really deep stuff. Very good
Starts off nice and easy and then progressively brings important information to the forefront. Guessing you planned it that way… Enjoyed it immensely.
Thank you Reginia!
I think using these cartoon characters to address serious issues is unique. Well done.
Oh my. Had to think after this one. Yeah where are we this MLK Day?
Not making as much progress as he would have liked Sharon
Whoa. it started off one way and then left me with a lot to think about. Good job!
This is wonderful. It made me think.
Well written, informative and thought provoking as always
Thank you so much Joanne!