
January 20, 2025, is a special day for me as a grandmother because two important events happen on the same day: Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of a world where everyone is treated equally, no matter the color of their skin. He believed in kindness, love, and standing up for what is right. I love sharing his story with my grandchildren, telling them about his bravery and how he worked so hard to make the world better for all of us. His story inspires us to treat others with respect and fairness and reminds us that we can each make a difference in our own way.
Inauguration Day is another exciting part of this day. It’s when the President of the United States officially takes office. This event shows how we peacefully choose our leaders and celebrate democracy, which means people have the power to make decisions about how our country is run. I might take this opportunity to explain to my grandchildren the importance of voting and working together to solve problems. Just like Dr. King’s dream, Inauguration Day is a symbol of hope and the chance to make the future brighter for everyone. Together, my grandchildren and I can watch the inauguration and talk about what it means to lead with kindness and fairness.
These two events offer a wonderful chance to teach my grandchildren about leadership, courage, and kindness. Dr. King’s bravery teaches them that everyone can be a leader in their own way by standing up for what is right and treating others with fairness. Watching the inauguration helps them see how their voices and actions matter in shaping the world. I want them to know they are part of something much bigger and that they have the power to make a positive difference, just as Dr. King did and as good leaders should.
It’s also important to me to show my grandchildren the value of staying committed to dialogue, understanding, and working together to make a difference. Whether it’s volunteering, creating inclusive spaces, or helping others in our community, I want them to see how acts of kindness and involvement strengthen our nation. By encouraging them to stay engaged and compassionate, I hope to honor the legacies of Martin Luther King Jr. and our democratic traditions while helping the next generation grow into thoughtful, caring citizens.
Books that were featured on the MLK Day/Inauguration Day Display in the library:

About the Author
Gwen has been working in Technical Services at EPL since 2005. She enjoys reading Amish & Christian fiction, African-American non-fiction, and all things with her grandchildren.