Should schools close on Martin Luther King day?

Question

Wouldn't it be more sincere if schools stayed open and had forums and programs for kids to learn about the civil rights movement and the importance of Dr. King to the US. Young blacks do not seem to have a very good graps of his legacy, forums and discussions could help that.

Answer 1

This is a very interesting question. I think this is a great idea, however, given how many states objected to even instituting it as a national holiday, I doubt that most schools have the willingness or ability to educate children about his legacy.

I like this idea, a day of community service in honor of his memory: "A Day On, Not Off."

"In 1994 Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the King Holiday as a national day of volunteer service. Instead of a day off from work or school, Congress asked Americans of all backgrounds and ages to celebrate Dr. King's legacy by turning community concerns into citizen action. The King Day of Service brings together people who might not ordinarily meet, breaks down barriers that have divided us in the past, leads to better understanding and ongoing relationships, and is an opportunity to recruit new volunteers for your ongoing work.

Participation in the King Day of Service has grown steadily over the past decade, with hundreds of thousands of Americans each year engaging in projects such as tutoring and mentoring children, painting schools and senior centers, delivering meals, building homes, and reflecting on Dr. King's life and teachings. Many of the projects started on King Day continue to engage volunteers beyond the holiday and impact the community year-round.

Although the scope of the event grows every year, many people still are not aware of the service component of the holiday. By encouraging the participation of as many organizations as possible, we hope to make next year's King Day of Service the biggest and best ever."

So if you want to make a difference, get out and serve, for as MLK Jr. said, "Everybody can be great, for everyone can serve."

Answer 2

Yes they should Martin Luther King did so much to help the world .He made it so blacks and whites can be in a same shop together.So you don't be judged by the color of your skin but what's in side.Here are some things I got off yahoo what people said about him,He is a great man!!!He is a great man!!!
01/15/2007by natcoachman this is for the *** hole who said his dog is great. I wish i could turn you Black and send you back to the 40 s & 50 s & 60 s and see how it felt to to beaten by whites. Grow UP!!! king got us where we are today,.So you chose should we get the day off now you know what he did.

Answer 3

No. The fact that someone was assassinated does not warrant a holiday honoring them. It seems to me that John and Robert Kennedy did far more for this country than Martin L. King, why then are their birthdays ignored?

Answer 4

Yes

Answer 5

Well it is kind of a holiday you know.And kids like getting the day off.Usuely like in my class we studied it on friday.It made such a great difference to the world.So the teachers and county and state cpital decide to give them the day off.

Answer 6

I believe schools should be off. Why should we have to learn on a day that is very important. We cancel school, and some people are out of work just for him, I totally agree with it :) MLKJ was awesome!

Answer 7

Let me tell you something... Yes school should be out. Martin Luther King was a HUGE part of the black society today... Its not about people knowing or grasping what he did, its a day off in his honor.

Answer 8

I would prefer to recognize George Washington!

Answer 9

yeah its fun when school out im out 2 day

Answer 10

Excellent idea ;)

100% behind you on that.