Front Page Talking Points

FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 13, 2014

Martin Luther King Day next Monday honors his civil rights leadership

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1.gifFind an article or photo showing that we’re closer to Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of racial equality.

2.gifLook for news or commentary about next week’s holiday. List at least two interesting facts.

3.gifCan you spot information about a local observance or Day of Service activity?

With parades, community service, discussions and arts programs, Americans of all ages next Monday will observe the federal holiday marking the birthday of Nobel Peace Prize winner Martin Luther King, Jr. The inspiring civil rights leader of the 1960s was assassinated in 1968 at age 39. Since 1986, his Jan. 15 birthday has been commemorated on the third Monday of January as a federal holiday.

Events around the country include gospel choir performances, rallies, marches, educational forums and Day of Service volunteer opportunities. Projects for nonprofit groups, churches, schools and environmental causes reflect King’s embrace of .public service. His many memorable quotations include this: "Life’s most urgent and persistent question is: What are you doing for others?"

The national holiday, falling on Jan. 20 this year was authorized by Congress and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. Observances began three years later, though some states resisted at first. Martin Luther King Day was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.

Student says: "I live out Dr. King's dream when I treat everyone with respect. I believe . . . everyone should be treated equally." -- Emmon'e Green, 13, of Philadelphia, who won a Day of Service essay contest

Parade organizer says: "More than ever, we need to understand the values of Dr. King and all come together as one and take care of each other." – Julia Pearce of Tybee Island, Ga.

Columnist says: "King knew he was right and he knew that the justice of the cause would prove that, whether he was there to see it or not." -- The Times of Northwest Indiana

Front Page Talking Points is written by Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2024

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Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.