Since Martin Luther King’s assassination in 1968, he has become a symbol of human and civil rights in the U.S., so much so that more than 1,000 streets carry his name, in addition to several schools and other civic institutions. Every year we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s widely known just accomplishments to recognize his legacy and work toward equal rights, civil liberties, and social justice for all, some of which include the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These actions involve recognizing health as a human right and recognize him as one of the early leaders of what we now call environmental justice.
As we observe the environmental justice movement today, the same social rights Dr. King advocated are fundamental in the movement’s focus on the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people in society. Now more than ever, environmental justice seeks to achieve two essential goals:
Proper treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income concerning the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. To summarize, everyone should be entitled to equal protection from health and environmental hazards and have the same access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work.
Virtual Visits and Sources of Inspiration
In an effort to help teach and celebrate the occasion and the meaning of Martin Luther King’s life, here are some virtual tours and sources of inspiration of King’s memorial in Washington, D.C., and his childhood home in Atlanta, GA.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial: A virtual tour of the memorial.
The National Archives shares references, discussion questions, and more.
The National Park Service, which manages the national MLK monument and MLK birthplace offers several digital resources around historic sites, both from Dr. King’s life and the American struggle for civil rights. Including the Selma Montgomery National Historical Trail and the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument.
National Geographic Kids shares a comprehensive outline and presentation for covering the basics of King’s life and times.
The King Center shares other events, ideas, and inspiration built to advance Dr. King’s work.
