ORLANDO, FL (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Martin Luther King Day, also known as MLK day is January 15th. It’s a day to take a moment and celebrate one of the most influential people of our time. Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Junior was a social activist who non-violently fought for equality, especially for black people, during the civil rights movement. Doctor King’s mission was to promote inclusion and diversity in a segregated world. Today, America is integrated, but we still have work to do. Ivanhoe reports on how to teach the new generation about diversity and inclusion.
Martin Luther King Junior dedicated his life to fighting for equality, justice, and the dream of a harmonious, integrated society.
Educators emphasize that teaching children about diversity is crucial for fostering empathy, understanding, and tolerance. Diverse literature and open conversations help children appreciate differences and celebrate similarities.
Don Harrell, PhD, Professor of Africana Studies at University of Central Florida says, “One thing they can do is to drop the fear factor: the fear of knowing and understanding the other. A second thing they can do is to welcome the discomfort that comes along with knowing.”
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s perspectives. Engaging in open conversations about race, ethnicity, and differences helps children navigate a diverse world with empathy and understanding.
Harrell says, “A third thing that people can do is to engage in their own particular study, in the context of other cultures, of other peoples, and understand the commonality.”
Through education, dialogue, and community engagement, we can pass on the values that will help build a more inclusive society.
Another way to promote diversity and inclusion in the classroom, and at home, is by sharing helpful resources, including books and pamphlets like “Addressing Race and Trauma in the Classroom: a resource for educators,” Learning for justice,” and “Beyond Heroes and Holidays.”
Sources:
https://www.childrensmercy.org/parent-ish/2021/09/diversity/
https://www.childrensmercy.org/parent-ish/2021/09/diversity/
Contributors to this news report include: Adahlia Thomas, Producer; Roque Correa,, Editor.
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