A Six Year Old Discovers Mr. King

I regret letting Martin Luther King, Jr. Day pass without a nod. 

So, let me just mention this:  when Ruby heard what day it was she said,

“Oh, I love him.  He’s my favorite one of our saviors.” 

“What do you mean?” I asked. 

“You know,” she said.  “The people who have saved our country.”

“Why is he your favorite?”  I asked. 

“Because he said it doesn’t matter what color your skin is, you can still play together.” 

I’m so glad Ruby’s teacher takes time to teach her students passionately about their collective history.  I remember when Jasper had her and she taught his class about the Twin Towers on September 11^th.  He has never forgotten.  And now Ruby, who has two new sisters of a different color, has discovered a national ‘savior’—someone besides her mother telling her that skin color doesn’t matter.  She'll never forget MLK.

Thanks, Ms. S, for not underestimating your First Graders.