"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Just in time for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, we have gathered the films, study guide, and special Martin Luther King Jr. content included in Embracing the Dream: Lessons from the Not In Our Town Movement on our website. You can find all of the films and download the PDF discussion guide here:
How others are using Embracing the Dream
Boy Scouts
This week we received a nice note from the Boy Scouts in Mountain View, Calif., who viewed the collection and used the study guide with a large group of younger and older scouts, their leaders, and parents. Here’s what the scout leader had to say:
“The program was a huge, huge success with our Scout troop. They paid attention, discussed the questions within their patrols, and shared some keen insights and experiences. The parents who observed were enthralled. What a valuable night.”
And an assistant scoutmaster and parent added:
“After the first couple of discussions I saw the boys begin to really start engaging—by the end it really seemed like the discussion could have gone on for quite a bit longer. ... I would definitely think a repeat annually would be good. It was interesting talking with my son afterwards; we both are just so appalled that hatred like this continues to be present in our world. Hatred is a learned emotion, none of us are born with it, our bodies are not pre-wired to repel others and are not biologically incompatible with others, it’s all in people’s minds and that’s what really is so disturbing. Thanks again for organizing this.”
Schools
Several local schools have been using the DVD as well. This is what Neal Biskar of Brandeis Hillel Day School had to say:
"The stories told in the DVD brought Dr. King's message to life for my students. They could see his legacy in action in the towns and schools as they responded to hate and racism. I think it really gave them a sense that they could make a difference in our school and our community. Also, this DVD is going to be a great bridge for my class as we begin studying Reconstruction and its aftermath. the time in American history when when the seeds of racism and hatred were institutionalized."
And Sydney Recht, English teacher at Lowell High School:
"Embracing the Dream: Lessons from the Not In Our Town Movement presents a wonderful teaching tool. Its emphasis on positive and healing responses to hate incidents and crimes is extremely empowering, inspiring, and unifying. My students and I were quite moved by each of the brief stories of community strength in the face of adversity. These stories of communities rising above hateful actions inspire tolerance and an open-minded approach to conflict."
Two-day Interfaith activities
The Brattleboro Area Interfaith Clergy Association, which has previously screened NIOT films [2], is kicking off a two-day commemoration with a public forum called, “Faith, Freedom and Responsibility.” On the second day, the Brattleboro, Vt. community will gather for a communal meal, help raise funds for a trip to Kenya where they will be working at an orphan care center, and be screening Embracing the Dream. The two-day MLK activities culminate with inspiring words from local community leaders and music by congregational choirs. More information here [3].
Curriculum for teachers
The MY HERO project [4], which aims to “use media and technology to celebrate the best of humanity and to empower young people to realize their own potential to effect positive change in the world” has included the Embracing the Dream study guide in their “Teacher’s Room” links to curriculum [5].
Also MY HERO has shared a page on Congressmen John Lewis’s hero, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Read his statement here [6], and enjoy this video of his story [7].
How are you celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day?