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MLK Children & Youth Program
January 21, 2008

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Program Profile: Celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
with children and teens in grades K-12 through a full day event designed specifically for them.


This Year's Event: Monday, January 21, 2008 -- 8:30am to 3:00pm
in the Modern Languages Building (MLB at 812 E. Washington)

Mission: Exposure to the ideals of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with an emphasis on aiding
young people to act on these ideals today. In addition to focusing on events of historical authenticity and the
Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, we discover and discuss contemporary issues of race, class,
social justice, diversity, and societal change as it affects and applies to these current K-12 students.
We give them a mixture of entertainment and substance learning! It is a day to enjoy a range of cultural and educational activities.


History: Martin Luther King Day, as a federally legal and observed holiday, was signed into law in 1983.
It was first observed, as the third Monday in January, in 1986. By 1989, 44 states recognized
the day with legislation. In 1993 only New Hampshire was left without honoring Dr. King's holiday.
In 1994 Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act as a national day of volunteer
service. It is a day of community service, interracial cooperation, and youth anti-violence initiatives. Finally,
in 1999 all states had enacted legislation for the King Holiday.
The first symposium on the University of Michigan campus was in 1987. Each year faculty,
students, staff, academic units, and community members develop programs and initiatives to
remember and continue the legacy and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. However, it wasn't until
the year 2000 that area K-12 students were provided with the opportunity to join the efforts of the
adults. Since that time the School of Education and the School of Social Work, in collaboration with
other campus organizations have steadily built the program into what it is today and strives to better
benefit students and their community each year.



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