Honoring the Life and Work of MLK

Lower School students combined their talent, energy and enthusiasm for the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a special Morning Ex this week.

There was something for everyone in this shared experience, which began with a pair of 4th grade students sharing a land acknowledgement and introduction on Dr. King and his life’s work before the full SK shared the song “This Little Light of Mine.” Third grade students took turns sharing facts about Dr. King, along photos, from their recent biography unit. Fourth grade students then related some local history involving segregation, Dr. King and the Chicago Freedom Movement, including the infamous white riots in Marquette Park where the Martin Luther King, Jr. Living Memorial now stands. Student presenters also gave credit to Parker parent and Inner-City Muslim Action Network Executive Director Rami Nashashibi for his organization’s role in helping establish this memorial in 2016.

Video excerpts featuring Parker community members who wished to share their personal memories of the civil rights fights championed by Dr. King and others punctuated the student presentations. The MX came to a rousing close as the full 4th grade led a festive rendition of Stevie Wonder’s 1981 hit “Happy Birthday” in honor of what would have be King’s 91st birthday on January 15.

Click here for photos of this MX. 
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Francis W. Parker School educates students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.