Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. organized many nonviolent protests. As a leader of the American Civil Rights Movement, he advocated for change through a nonviolent approach. He was a trailblazer for peaceful protests.

Step 1: Local Government S.T.A.R. Card: Imagine your School Board is considering adopting a year-round school calendar. Write down 2 reasons you think this would be an innovative idea. Then write down 2 reasons you think this would not be innovative idea.

Step 2: Read and discuss Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights by Rob Sanders. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, We must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means. The following *read-aloud and lesson are designed to help our youngest citizens and future change agents understand and embrace Dr. King’s message for change. Then, as leaders develop their action plans, we hope they include the voices of the children. (*If the book is not in the school or community library, it can be found on YouTube.)

Step 3: To Think About:
1. A lot of people who are peacefully protesting in our streets would embrace the quote that begins with the book Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights. Think about the quote: Every voice matters, no matter how small. It’s time to make a difference. How do you think protestors can make a difference? What would you tell them that they need to do?

2. In the book, there are many action verbs to describe some of the things we can do to promote peaceful fights for equal rights. One of the words is question. Do you think active citizens question authority; that is, do active citizens of all ages question an adult, a teacher, a police officer, a community leader, if they do not think something is right? Why or why not?

3. A peaceful protest is defined as an event in which people gather to show their disapproval of something. Think about the protests organized by Dr. Martin Luther King. Dr. King promoted

the idea that protests need to be nonviolent. Why do you think it was so important to Dr. King those protests against racism be nonviolent?

4. Let’s take a look at some of the action words in the book. After you look at the list, put them in what you think is their order of importance. Then share your order with others.
a. Volunteer – Willingly perform a service without pay
b. Make buttons, banners, and bumper stickers.
c. Educate - Tell others about your cause
d. Give time
e. Join others
f. March
g. Speak out
h. Vote
j. Develop an action plan

5. Do you think our youngest citizens should sit at the table with our politicians, clergy, and community leaders when they talk about action plans to address the current protestors’ concerns about social injustice? Be prepared to support your answer.

6. A protest can start a conversation that could lead to change. What ideas for change would you suggest to the politicians, clergy, and community leaders who will address social injustices?