#ReclaimMLK2017!: Let’s Honor Him with Words and Action
I’m gearing up for a week of action: family-friendly MLK teach-ins, marches, parent education and organizing. Being a “good mom” means modeling how to be a good person. That means speaking up for yourself and others.
Reclaim MLK: No… MLK was NOT a Magical Negro
If you’ve been following my blog, you know I’m became pretty passionate about honoring the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.‘s life. If the #BlackLivesMatter movement has taught us anything, we need to stand up and be counted… As far as I’m concerned, all these white-washed MLK “peace dove” activities, and #AllLivesMatter “color-blind” BS has GOT. TO. GO.
In case you’re wondering, I’m not the only Black person who’s noticed the need to #ReclaimMLK day. It’s time to take King’s legacy back from corporate marketers and “progressive” racists. In case you weren’t listening, Dr. King didn’t have a dream about selling you more crap, and he didn’t go through the trouble of climbing proverbial mountain tops so White folks could use his words to tell Black folks to shut up and sit down. (Truth be told, MLK was not a magical negro. He was actually a real person, who organized protests, got sh*t done and pissed people off from time to time.)
Reclaim MLK: If MLK were here today…
This year, celebrating and honoring MLK’s life and legacy seems more important than ever before. Fortunately, for those of us lucky enough to live in SF, there is so much to do. So much so, it can be difficult for parents to know which activities are age appropriate.
With that in mind, I’ve put together family-friendly activities to celebrate and honor Dr. King’s legacy of standing up and speaking out in developmentally and family-friendly ways. As Audre Lorde said: “Your silence will not protect you”. Now more than ever we must stand up and speak up for Black Lives, LGBT rights, women’s reproductive freedom, freedom from islamophobia and xenophobia… the list goes on…
Whether it’s doing family art (see MoAD below), watching a movie to celebrate #blackexcellence in STEM (Hidden Figures), or protesting discrimination (Dump Trump march), it’s time to #ReclaimMLK day and honor Dr. Kings life and legacy with words and action!
Ways to #ReclaimMLK in 2017!
I’ve organized events for ALL families and also listed events for my peeps! Props to the SFUSD African-American Achievement and Leadership Initiative (AAALI). SF Families Union, Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURGE) – Bay Area, United Educators San Francisco (UESF), Jobs with Justice SF, Museum of African Diaspora (MoAD), SFMLK2017, and the many other organizations that are coordinating these events!
Upcoming Events for All Families:
Reclaim MLK: MoAD National Day of Service
Monday, January 16, 2017- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
685 Mission Street SF, CA
MoAD will celebrate the national observance of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday as a Day of Service, providing FREE admission to the museum and programs throughout the day. Come together to celebrate the life and achievements of one of our nation’s greatest heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through film, art, and musical performances, our special guests will help us to reflect on the importance of free speech and diverse communities. Share your dreams, congratulate your personal heroes and tell your stories through art projects and collaborative activities. Don’t miss one of the most popular celebrations and our special exhibitions – see it for FREE today! See the schedule for the day.
Reclaim MLK: SFMLK2017
Monday, January 16, 2017- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
various locations
The Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation – NorcalMLK – hosts San Francisco’s annual MLK celebrations. Go to this website to find the latest information on the exciting activities and events for MLK2017, along with special notifications, volunteer opportunities, and other chances to participate.
Reclaim MLK: Young Activists for Black Lives Mini Teach In for youth in SF
Tuesday, January 17th 5:30 – 7 pm.
Mission Branch Library – 300 Bartlett St.
In coalition with Anti Police-Terror Project’s call for 120 hours of action, the SF Young Activists $ Black Lives #ReclaimMLK Mini Teach-In will explore how we keep our communities safe without police. In this teach-in children ages 3-13 and their adult allies will use stories and collaborative art to learn about housing as a human right and creating community. It will be led by the social justice educators of Abundant Activism.
The Young Activists for Black Lives Coalition includes: Abundant Beginnings, Rice and Beans Childcare Coop, Sama Sama, Radical Monarchs, Our Family Coalition and Bay Area SURJ (Youth and Family).
Reclaim MLK: Day of Action: Stand Together to Protect Our Students, Schools and Communities
Thursday, January 19th, before school starts (times vary based on school start time)
Schools sites (contact UESF to see participating SFUSD schools)
This is a national day of action one day before Trump takes office to stand up and speak up for public education. School actions vary school to school. To get help organizing one at your school email Susan Soloman, UESF Executive Vice President asap. Click here for more information.
Reclaim MLK: Dump Trump March
Friday, January 20, from 8am throughout the day
Various locations, see below. (Family march will meet at Justin Herman Plaza at 11 am.)
On January 20th, Donald Trump’s inauguration begins a presidential term marked by outright xenophobia, bigotry, sexism, corporate giveaways and hate-fueled policies. We must reclaim our democracy, and show the nation how the Bay Area stands together to defend our communities and fight for justice. On this historic day, stand shoulder to shoulder with your neighbors, co-workers, and friends to RESIST TRUMP and join the movement to protect our healthcare, public education, civil liberties, unions, and environment.
Rallies and marches will be family-friendly!
- 8 AM – Noon: Meet at Justin Herman Plaza, SF (Embarcadero BART) and March to Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, Peter Thiel, ICE, and other corporate targets supporting Trump’s hate-policies
- 12 PM: There is also a Rally and Alternative Inaugural Concert at 555 California St., SF
- 5 PM: Evening March at Civic Center Plaza
[Download PDF Flyer.]
Reclaim MLK: Understanding the Realities of African American Families: The Danger of a Single Story
Tuesday, January 31, 2017 from 9:00-1:00pm
750 25th St. SF, Multipurpose Room
Join the Office of Family and Community Partners, AAPAC Parents and Community Partners for a special look at the African American experience in SF and within SFUSD. Resources and a special lunch will be provided. This event is open to all. Please register here.
Reclaim MLK: Student Assignment School Board Meeting
Tuesday, January 31, 6 pm.
555 Franklin St. Board Room
Come to speak against segregation in our student assignment system, the presentation will focus on special education and language programs.
Reclaim MLK: Hidden Figures Movie
From now until it closes
See theater listings
Bring your friends to see this amazing movie which recently beat out Rogue One at the box office! See the amazing story of Black women mathematicians who worked for NASA and helped our country go into space. Click here to see the trailer.
Events for Black Families
Reclaim MLK: AAPAC Monthly Meeting: Healthy Living for Healthy Black Families
Thursday, January 19, 2017 from 5:30-8:00pm
1520 Oakdale Avenue SF, CA
Join the African American Parent Advisory Council of SF for our monthly general assembly in the Leola Havard Auditorium, located at 1520 Oakdale beginning at 5:30 pm. We know that part of preparing our children for academic success is ensuring that their bodies and minds reflect healthy habits. Come prepared to receive tips on healthy living specific to Black Families, learn more about supports in our district and identify needed supports to advocate for. There will also be Zumba, so get ready to move your body! Childcare, Dinner and Prizes will be provided. Contact Laticia Erving, African American Parent Advisory Council Program Coordinator, for more info.
Reclaim MLK: Black Family Pathways To Power & College Resource Fair
Saturday, January 21st from 9:00am-3:00pm
Willie L. Brown Middle School 2055 Silver Avenue SF, CA
Back by popular demand, The Bi-Annual Black Family Day Resource Fair will be held at Willie L. Brown Middle School. The day will feature a delicious Southern buffet brunch, a community resource fair, student facilitated STEM activities, performances and workshops focusing on family empowerment and advocacy. There will also be raffles of amazing prizes such as tablets, gift cards and Warrior’s tickets.
This event is free and open to your entire family. Free shuttle buses will be provided. For more information on the few pick up locations or to RSVP, please email call 415-401-2555 ext. 1246. RSVP by clicking here or go the Facebook page.
Reclaim MLK: Student Assignment Board Presentation Planning Meeting
Thursday, January 26, 2017 from 5:30-7:30pm
1551 Newcomb Avenue SF, CA Rm. 101
SFUSD is seeking input from all communities. It’s important for Black families, who are often overlooked in policy decisions to speak up about the ways enrollment impacts our community. If you have concerns and recommendations on how to improve SFUSD’s Student Assignment Policy and would like to help plan the AAPAC’s School Board presentation scheduled for March 8, 2017, please join the AAPAC Advisory Team meeting. Dinner will be provided. Contact Laticia Erving, African American Parent Advisory Council Program Coordinator, for more info.
Reclaim MLK: Coming soon…
Talking to Kids About Race with Micia Mosley
Saturday, March 18, 2:45-5:30 pm
Main Library, Koret auditorium.
Micia Mosley is an amazing educator, writer and performer. She is a former teacher in SFUD and has written and led professional development for educators on pedagogy, race, and urban education. She is also a the founder and executive director of the Black Teacher Project, an organization that “recruits, develops and sustains Black teachers for schools in the United States.” Micia will lead a workshop for parents of all backgrounds to support them in talking about race with children in effective and developmentally appropriate waysl. Interpretation and childcare provided. (Join the SF Families Facebook page to stay posted on this and other upcoming events or sign up on the SF Families Union webpage to receive email updates).
