On the third Monday of every January, The United States pauses to remember Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader and minister. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day honors his legacy and work, as well as shines a light on civil rights. President Ronald Reagan signed the bill creating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which is a federal holiday, in 1983. The third Monday was chosen because MLK was born on January 15, 1929.

If you’re looking for free resources to teach your children about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this MLK Day, or any time of year, you’ve come to the right place! Below are free YouTube videos that teach about MLK:

Short Videos

The videos in this section range in length from three to fifteen minutes.

Martin Luther King / MLK  Day– The Daily Bellringer provides a brief overview of MLK’s life and work.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: Biography for Children– Short biography about the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK- The King and His Dream– Short animated video about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – MLK Day!– 10-minute video using animation, music, and narration to teach about MLK.

Martin Luther King, Jr. – Minister & Civil Rights Activist– A short biographical video about MLK’s life and work for civil rights.

The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Kid President– A kid tells viewers about Martin Luther King, Jr. in this video geared toward young children.

Martin Luther King Jr. for Kids– Biographical video from Homeschool Pop created to give younger children an overview of MLK’s life.

The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.- BrainPOP provides an introduction to the civil rights movement and an overview of MLK’s life.

Martin Luther King, Jr. For Kids | Song & Rap– Learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. with this catchy song.

Martin Luther King, Jr. – Animated History– This video gives a brief overview of MLK’s life and accomplishments.

Longer Videos, Movies, and Documentaries

Our Friend Martin– An animated movie featuring two teens who travel through time, meeting Dr. King at several points during his life. One hour long.

Martin Luther King – The Fight for Civil Rights– An hour-long documentary about MLK’s life and contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.

King in the Wilderness– A two-hour long HBO documentary about the last years of Dr. King’s life. (Recommended for teens and adults only, due to violence and strong language.)

An Hour With Martin Luther King, Jr.– David Susskind’s historical interview with MLK. Originally aired on June 9, 1963.

Picture Book Read Alouds

These videos of picture book read alouds are an excellent way to teach young children about Martin Luther King, Jr., but they may also be enjoyed by kids of all ages.

Martin´s Big Words – The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport

I Am Martin Luther King, Jr. by Brad Meltzer

A Picture Book of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by David Adler

The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Johnny Ray Moore

My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Martin Luther King III

When Martin Luther King Jr. Wore Roller Skates by Mark Andrew Weakland

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King by Jean Marzollo

Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington by Frances E. Ruffin

My Dream of Martin Luther King by Faith Ringgold

MLK’s Speeches

What better way to learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. and his contribution to the civil rights movement than through his own words? Here are full-length videos of some of his most famous speeches:

I Have a Dream– Delivered on August 28th, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.

Rise Up and Say, I am Somebody– Speech given to students in Cleveland, Ohio on April 26, 1967.

Our God is Marching On (How Long, Not Long)– Delivered at the conclusion of the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama on March 25, 1965.

The Other America– Given on April 14, 1967, at Stanford University in California.

Eulogy for the Martyred Children– Delivered in Birmingham, AL, on September 15, 1963, at the funeral service for three of the children killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing.

Love Your Enemies– Sermon at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, AL, on November 17, 1957.

Where Do We Go From Here?– Delivered at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) convention in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 16, 1967.

Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech– Given at the University of Oslo in Norway on December 10, 1964.

I’ve Been to the Mountaintop– Delivered at the Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee on the night before his assignation, April 3rd, 1968.

 

 

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Note: This post was originally published on December 16, 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.