The Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19, 2026), teach your students about the powerful leader who helped change America by fighting for equality through peace and courage. Watch as historians reflect on the life and legacy of King and his role in the Civil Rights Movement, then start a classroom conversation about fairness, kindness, and the importance of standing up for what they believe is right. Celebrate this monumental day in your classroom and remind your students that everyone can help make this world a better place!

For Elementary Educators: Check out an age-appropriate video for K-5 students on PBS LearningMedia.

Who Was Martin Luther King Jr.? | Civil Rights Leader Video

In the second half of the 20th century, racial tensions rose in the United States as African Americans began to challenge unjust laws that supported discrimination and segregation. This movement found its leader in the patient and inspiring minister Martin Luther King Jr. Have your students watch this short video on King, then engage in two primary source activities that explore how King’s deep-seated commitment to nonviolence contributed to the expansion of social justice in the United States.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Gee's Bend

This eight-minute video from Retro Report illustrates the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement by focusing on the small community of Gee’s Bend, Alabama: a town that attracted the attention of Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1960s. Use this video to draw a line between aspects of King’s movement nearly five decades ago and the barriers to equality and opportunity that residents of Gee’s Bend face today. This eye-opening video can serve as a bridge between the past and present while setting up a discussion about the unfinished agenda of King’s movement.

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Tips for Using PBS LearningMedia

As you head back to the classroom after winter break, take a minute to brush up on your PBS LearningMedia skills! Join experienced educator and PBS Digital Innovator All-Star Jason Lineberger as he walks you through the PBS LearningMedia website and shares some of his favorite features and top tips for finding content that enhances student engagement, learning, and choice. This is the perfect resource for anyone looking for a quick overview in the new year.

Looking for more PBS LearningMedia tips and tricks? Check out our growing collection of video tutorials to get started.