All ages find important lessons in the teachings of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. There are picture books for younger children like "Martin's Big Words: The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr". by Doreen Rappaport and "The Story of Martin Luther King" by Johnny Ray Moore. After reading an age-appropriate book, discuss the ideas of tolerance, forgiveness and love towards all. Help each child trace an arm and hand on a folded manila folder. Cut out and unfold to form two, joined reaching hands. Color with markers. Connect each hand to another's hand and form a garland of friendship. Hang up in classroom. Older students may write words of peace and tolerance on their arms as well.
The story of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing is a powerful story for older children especially within a church setting since the four girls killed by a bigot's bomb were Sunday school students. This active church had been identified by the Ku Klux Klan as a target for violence."Freedom Song: Young Voices and the Struggle for Civil Rights" by Mary Turck provides background information and comes with a CD of the songs of the Civil Rights Movement. The music serves as a healing balm to the upsetting facts of this part of Black history. There is also a movie by Spike Lee called "Four Little Girls". Ask the students to write a letter to one of the girls in heaven, sharing about their life today and what changes (if any) they believe have occurred since their murder on September 15th, 1963. Share these letters in church bulletin or read out aloud as part of service.
For decades, African-American communities have celebrated the ending of slavery with informal celebrations of "Juneteenth" on June 19th Children of all ages can help with the planning of their church's own Juneteenth. It could become a culminating event for the end of Sunday school for the year. Older children and teachers research how this day is marked traditionally and decide on activities for the day. These might include a prayer service, speakers, games and food. The focus of the event could be on the blessings of the church community and a re-commitment to participate in church activities in the following year.