Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Baptist minister and civil rights leader. He worked to make America a more fair, tolerant, and equal nation. He was one of the main leaders of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Because of this movement, civil rights laws were passed to protect voting rights and end racial segregation in the United States. In recognition of his tireless efforts to win civil rights for all people through nonviolent means, Americans celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on the third Monday in January.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was an important leader in U.S. history. Prospective citizens may be asked about Martin Luther King, Jr. and civil rights during the naturalization test. “What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?” and “What movement tried to end racial discrimination?” are two questions on the civics test.
For Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we want to highlight some of the USCIS resources for learners and teachers that are related to this important day.
Learners
USCIS has educational materials to help you learn about the United States and prepare for the naturalization process. Here are several products that talk about Martin Luther King, Jr.:
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100 Civics Questions and Answers with MP3 Audio (2008 version of the civics test)
This is the official list of civics questions and answers on the naturalization test in MP3 audio format. -
Civics Practice Test (2008 version of the civics test)
Practice your knowledge of U.S. history and government. -
Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship (2008 version of the civics test)
This web resource provides online videos and activities on the 100 civics questions from the naturalization test and highlights museum objects from the Smithsonian Institution. Visit the “Rights,” “Famous Citizens,” “The 1900s,” and “Symbols & Holidays” themes for information on civil rights and Martin Luther King, Jr. -
Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons for the Naturalization Test (PDF, 8.93 MB) (2008 version of the civics test)
This study booklet will help you prepare for the civics and English portions of the naturalization interview. It contains the 100 civics questions on the naturalization test with background information and vocabulary from the English portions of the naturalization test. -
A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for Immigrants
This 12-minute film focuses on the history and founding of our nation and the important rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. -
The Citizen's Almanac (PDF, 8.53 MB)
This publication includes information on prominent foreign-born Americans, presidential quotes on citizenship, patriotic songs and poems, and several of our essential founding documents, including the Bill of Rights. On page 41, you will find excerpts from Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.
Teachers
In addition to the products highlighted above, USCIS offers free online tools and materials for educators and volunteers. Some examples include:
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Lesson Plans and Activities
Visit this page to find lesson plans, student handouts, and answer keys on a variety of topics, including these beginning level lessons that discuss Martin Luther King, Jr.:-
Fighting for Our Rights
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American Symbols and Celebrations
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Famous Americans on the Civics Test (PDF, 1.15 MB)
Downloadable 8.5" x 11" portraits and flash cards of 12 Americans highlighted on the civics test with teaching strategies for supplementing your lessons. -
Adaptable Teaching Tools (PDF, 162.84 KB)
Activity ideas to help students practice what they learn in class. -
Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship
This web resource, described above, also has a “Teachers” section with teacher guides. The guides provide strategies and handouts for each theme. For Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, be sure to visit the teacher guides on “Rights,” “Famous Citizens,” “The 1900s,” and “Symbols & Holidays”. -
A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for Immigrants
This 12-minute film focuses on the history and founding of our nation and the important rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. Accompanying the video is a discussion booklet that aims to encourage discussion and review of the basic concepts of American democracy outlined in the film. -
Guide to the Adult Citizenship Education Content Standards and Foundation Skills: A Framework for Developing a Comprehensive Curriculum (PDF, 181.92 KB)
This guide provides content and progress standards for the Pre-Interview, Interview and Test, and Post-Interview phases of the naturalization process. It assists program administrators and teachers in developing a citizenship curriculum and thematic lessons, choosing textbooks, and creating effective learning activities.