“I have a
dream…”This is only a phrase from the speech made famous by civil right
activist Martin Luther King Jr. Today is the day recognized as a National
Holiday in honor of the slain leader. Many schools and businesses held events
locally. Schools are closed today, but held celebratory events last week.
It was a
snowy Friday afternoon as I strolled into a local elementary school with
parents and other community leaders. I was there to see a few of my former
after school program kids perform in their Martin Luther King Jr. program. We
waved frantically as we spotted each other across the room.
I spoke to
the kids parents then took a seat along the chair lined gymnasium. Several
minutes passed before the audience was asked to stand, place our right hand
over our chest and belt out The Star
Spangled Banner. Had I known I would be asked to sing, I would have at least
practiced some type of scale – “la, la, la, la la, la, la, la, laaa; do re me
fa so la te do.”
While I
fretted over my singing abilities, the first group of kids swarmed the stage.
At center stage was my buddy, AJ. He only recited four words, but they were
powerful, dramatic and packed a punch. AJ returned to the row of kids on risers
behind him. They sang a song then left the stage. When I looked around AJ’s mom
had a smile from ear to ear. It was a proud moment.
There were
more songs, more reciting’s and more proud moments for parents. This Martin
Luther King Jr. Day celebration was an opportunity for kids to learn about
history and to be a part of history at their school. It all began with a dream.
I have a
dream…do you? What proud moments have you experienced with your child or
children you have worked with?
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