JOIN: Celebrating John Lewis and Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

Every Saturday, join me as I CELEBRATE This Week 

with Ruth Ayres from Discover. Play. Build.

In November of last year, I was in Atlanta for a conference and I went to The Center for Civil and Human Rights with my friends Brian, Beth, and Kevin. It was a powerful and moving experience, especially since it was shortly after the election that shocked so many of us.

I wish everyone could experience this beautiful homage to people who have fought for civil and human rights here in the United States and all over the world. It's haunting and harrowing but also hopeful. I'm more aware of the history and of how history plays into today's context but also more inspired than ever. 

You may have seen Donald Trump's tweets targeted at Representative John Lewis. John Lewis is a remarkable man who has experienced so much as a civil rights activist. I had been meaning to read his graphic novel trilogy but seeing the tweets made me go out and buy them from my local independent bookstore. Sales of the books have skyrocketed but it doesn't hurt to buy more copies. 

If you haven't read them, you might want to check them out. And if you already have your own copies or you've read them, maybe you'll donate a set to your local school or public library. John Lewis should be celebrated, his work and the work of so many others should be recognized now and always. 

On Monday, I'm honoring Martin Luther King Jr. by teaching my kids about him and his work and taking my nine-year-old to see Hidden Figures. We also have plans for gathering items such as blankets and socks to hand out to homeless people. And lastly, I need to buy yarn to make myself a hat from the Pussyhat Project. I won't be able to march next week because I committed to teaching an enrichment program but I'll definitely wear my hat!

It doesn't feel like enough, especially compared to what Martin Luther King, Jr. accomplished along with the people like him who gave their lives for improving our country...but it does feel like something. And something is always a start towards something more. Little somethings add up to a bigger something.

Do you have plans to honor Martn Luther King Jr.? 

I'd love to hear them. Thanks for stopping in!