Martin Luther King Jr.

Hello, my name is Martin. A long time ago, in the year 1929, I was born in a warm, happy home in Atlanta, Georgia. I loved my family, and I loved to play. I had many friends, and we would run and laugh all day long. We played hide-and-seek and chased balls in the sunshine. Playing together was my favorite thing to do. But one day, something very sad happened. A friend’s mother told me that I couldn't play with her children anymore. She said it was because my skin was a different color from theirs. I felt so hurt and confused. I ran home and asked my mother why. She hugged me and told me about unfair rules in the world, but she also said, 'Martin, you are just as good as anyone else.'

When I grew up, I remembered those unfair rules. I wanted to help change them. I became a preacher, which is like a teacher in a church, so I could help people with my words. I believed that the best way to make things fair was to use a big, strong voice filled with love, not with angry fists. I wanted everyone to solve problems with peace. I started to lead marches. We would walk together down long streets, holding hands and singing songs about hope and fairness. It wasn't always easy, but we kept walking. We walked to show everyone that we wanted a world where every single person was treated with kindness and respect, no matter what they looked like.

I had a big, beautiful dream for the world. I dreamed of a day when all children, no matter the color of their skin, could hold hands and play together as friends. I dreamed that people would look at the goodness in your heart, not at how you look on the outside. My life ended, but my dream is still alive and growing inside of you. You can help my dream come true by being a good friend to everyone you meet. You can share your smiles and your kindness, and help make the world a lovely place for all.