Martin Luther King Jr. day may be a day off school to some, but the Museum of the Grand Prairie looks at it as a day to connect with students so that they may know more about who Martin Luther King Jr. was.
“Dr. King was about civil right for his people. He gave a message of hope. It’s important to pause and remember who he was as a person and activist, and not just an icon,” Museum of the Grand Prairie’s Education Programs Specialist Katie Snyder said.
The Museum’s “School’s Out: Martin Luther King Day Celebration” will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on January 21. The staff has crafts, a scavenger hunt, books and videos available for visitors.
Children will have an opportunity to hear Martin Luther King Jr.’s words through a craft that showcases his quotes.
In the spirit of King’s empowerment, the Champaign County Forest Preserve has teamed up with the Champaign County Coalition for Trauma and Resilience to provide rocks for children to paint, then to spread throughout the community.
Snyder said the rocks will have the Coalition’s information on the back so that if someone finds the rock and needs help, they will be able to connect.
“We always try to do something that furthers the work of Dr. King,” Snyder said.
Snyder also hopes that students will learn about Champaign County’s history and leaders during the Civil Rights movement through the scavenger hunt.
By getting to know some of the civil rights less-known leaders here locally, Snyder said that “(students) can understand that they too can become that person.”
The scavenger hunt, which has become a staple for events at the Museum of the Grand Prairie, also encourages visitors to become comfortable with exploring the museum and its exhibits.
Snyder said the taxpayers provide the funding for the museum, and it “belongs to the people.”
In the past, parents and children have enjoyed spending time together while reading a book about King or watching a video.
Registration is not necessary for the Martin Luther King Day Celebration, but Snyder said parents are required to stay with children during the event.
