New Generations Engage in the Teachings of Dr. King

The commemoration of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday at BFS is always a special time. Traditionally for the past eight years (or several more!), Preschool children hold a march and have a “sit in” in the lobby to honor Dr. King and listen to parts of his “I Have A Dream” speech. They did just that on Friday morning – and more – singing “Happy Birthday” and “This Little Light of Mine,” while holding their hand-crafted candles and posters reflecting their own dreams for a fair, kind and peaceful world.

Meanwhile in the upper gym, the Lower School held their annual Dr. King Assembly. This annual tradition honors Dr. King as well as the Change Makers of our past, present, and future. Also acknowledged was the obligation of all present to build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world. The children sang many songs together, including “We Shall Overcome” “Woke Up This Morning” and “We Are a Gentle, Angry People.” As part of the program, each classroom invited a special guest  – someone they considered to be a Change Maker – to join the gathering in spirit. See the list of Change Makers HERE.

This week during their advisory periods, Middle School students will learn more about Dr. King and the civil rights movement. See an outline of the discussion HERE. They will discuss how the themes of freedom and justice connect to their lives, asking themselves:

• What kind of person do I want to be? In the world? In school? In my home?
• What do I think Dr King’s idea of freedom and justice might look like?
• What actions can I take to help realize this dream?

Also, eighth grade students were inspired by Dr. King as a man of action (as well as words) to research and share volunteer service opportunities for them to pursue.

Read a copy of the Dr. King “I Have a Dream. . .” speech from the National Archives HERE.