MomsRising: Local moms groups organize to host MLK Day event

If your kids are like mine, birthdays are a hot topic. Whether it’s holding a party for a favorite doll, chattering away about a friend’s recent party or counting down the days to their own, my kids love birthdays.

So it’s no wonder that the idea of Martin Luther King Day intrigues them. As my oldest said, “Mama, what did he do that was so special that everybody celebrates his birthday?”

Maybe you’ve heard this question, too. Now that my kids are older, I want to make sure they understand exactly what Dr. King did and how it changed the world for all of us. His lessons about equality, fairness, sharing, kindness and service are perfect for kids, but I’ve struggled to find events that talk about his life and legacy in a kid-friendly, age-appropriate way. So this year, the Durham Mothers’ Club and A Sea of Learning are organizing a birthday party for Martin Luther King, Jr., and we hope you and your child will join us!

We’ve joined with parents’ organizations across the Triangle to put together a special MLK Day event for kids and families. Here are all the details:

In continuing Dr. King’s commitment to service, participants are asked to bring a boxed cake mix, canned icing, candles, vegetable oil, or disposable pans to donate for birthday bags for families served by the Durham Urban Ministries food pantry. Donations can also be dropped off in advance at A Sea of Learning in Northgate Mall or at Gymboree at 3515 Witherspoon Blvd. in Durham.