In 1986, the third Monday of January was established as a national holiday. This means that for the young people of today, the holiday recognizing and celebrating civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. has been in existence longer than they have been alive. Like many national holidays, however, there is a danger of it becoming part of just another long weekend.

In this one-session study for youth, participants will explore the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and then discuss the continuing impact of his life on the civil rights movement in the United States.

Participants will learn about the hardships faced during the Montgomery bus boycott and the enduring impact of Dr. King"s stirring "I Have a Dream" speech delivered at the march on Washington. And they'll consider the irony of the voice of non-violence being silenced by an assassin's bullet in 1968.

The death of Martin Luther King Jr., however, did not mean the end of the fight. There have been many who picked up the mission of King and who work tirelessly to fight against the injustices that exist throughout this country. The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday gives us an opportunity to remember the life of this faithful man, but also to continue to work toward his dreams.

Participants will be encouraged to live out Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream by volunteering or working in their community to create a better place for all of God's children. Links to suggestions for projects your group can engage in are included in this study.