In Their Own Words, Local Schoolchildren Remember King’s Legacy

By Shams Tarek

Scores of Southeast Queens kids have been expressing their pride—using the written word—in a Martin Luther King Jr.-inspired writing project sponsored by the Queens Public Library throughout their fall terms in school this year.

In many of the area’s schools, like Jamaica’s P.S. 50, kids have been working on writing and art projects inspired by King. 

The kids in the Library’s King-inspired writing project will have the chance to show off their work to the public, in a Jan. 18 event that will also feature some film presentations and discussions, all in the spirit of King’s teachings.

The event, held from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., will also feature a showing of a documentary about King, followed by a discussion led by Donna Leibert-Young, a teacher at P.S. 176.

Following are some of the letters written by Southeast Queens students for the project:

No Difference

Dear Dr. King,

Thank you for helping people understand that it doesn’t matter about the color, it matters about the way certain people are, you know. The color black and white is no different. It might be different because one color is lighter than the other but there is no difference.

Thank you for your understanding.

Pamela Peralta
P.S. 50,
Jamaica
Fifth Grade

‘My Black American Hero’

Dear Dr. King,

I have a dream that I will try my best to work hard in school like you did. Is it hard to become a lawyer? I feel bad that you got shot, because I think the people that shot you have something against black people. I am surprised that your people didn’t even try to help you catch the bad guys. I am proud of the way you handle things. How you got the white and black people together. That was really brave. You are my Black American Hero.

Thank you for bringing black and white people together. Without you, white and black people would still be fighting over who sits in front of the bus, or who can drink from the water fountain. I don’t care as long as this madness is over. Thank you for saving America. I wish I was there to help you handle things. God Bless America.

Natalia Nestor
P.S. 50,
Jamaica
Fifth Grade

Still In Our Hearts

Dear Dr. King,

You have a lot of faith. I have a big space in my heart. I have a dream and it is for you to come back. If it wasn’t for you we would all be fighting. I will be brave.

I feel that you should be with all of us. If you were here to give a speech some more I would be glad. Everybody still has you in their hearts, so do I. I’m a girl that will remember you. Rest in peace, Dr. King.

Aracelis Brown
P.S. 50,
Jamaica
Fifth Grade 

Brandace Johnson from Cambria Heights’ P.S. 176 created this piece for the Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. writing project.

Thank You

Dear Dr. King,

Thank you for all the hard work you have done. Now I can go to school with all different children. Thank you for setting laws right. You taught people how to be a leader.

Aliyah Bennet
P.S. 176,
Cambria Heights
First Grade 

Making A Difference

Dear Dr. King,

Thank you for making this country a better place. You have helped people of all races to be treated as equals. You have given me the chance to learn in school, make new friends and be free to become anything I want to be. Through your speeches and your marches, you have given me the opportunity to live in a free world. Your dream has come true as well.

Thank you for teaching us how to love each other and to respect our elders. When I grow up I would like to make a difference just like you. I now believe that all men are created equal. One day I hope to continue your dream.

Amanda DooKeeram
P.S. 176,
Cambria Heights
First Grade 

The Dream Still Lives

Dear Dr. King,

I am a six-year-old boy who lives in New York City. I go to P.S. 176. Because of you, I am able to go to school with all kinds of people. I am able to get a fair education.

I do not take the bus to school but if I did, I know that you have made it possible for me to sit anywhere I want.

Many of your dreams and ideas are alive in the world today. There are still people who don’t like black people but the Jim Crow laws are no longer.

I would like to say thank you for everything you have done to help us. I know your family is proud of you.

Michael Facey
P.S. 176,
Cambria Heights
Third Grade 

‘I Wish You Were Here’

Dear Dr. King,

Thank you for standing up for civil rights in our beautiful country of America.

I wish you were here to see how much we have accomplished over the years. You have been a role model to kids all over the world.

Dr. King, I wish you were here to let me ask you questions about back in the days. You are a true hero. I wish everyone could live in peace and harmony.

Dayna-Liane Lindo
P.S. 176,
Cambria Heights
Third Grade 

‘Take My Dream’

Dear Dr. King,

I have a dream when I grow up. I have a dream just like you. Black people, white people and people from all over the world will do what they want to do. I have a thought that when I die I will see you. I have a dream that when I grow up I will be as powerful as you. I want to be an educated man like you. I want to speak to thousands of people. Please take my dreams and make them a reality.

Eghosa Osagie
P.S. 156,
Springfield Gardens
Third Grade 

Questions

Dear Dr. King,

My name is Xzavier and I want to ask you a few questions. Do you believe in racism? Well, I don’t. Did you ever treat them mean? Well, I don’t because I don’t want them treating me bad. All I have to say is that your dream was for people to love.

Xzavier Perry
P.S. 156,
Springfield Gardens
Third Grade 

‘Blacks And Whites Can Be Friends’

Dear Dr. King,

If black people still had to go to the back of the bus like Rosa Parks that would not be fair to black people,but you made a speech. The first four words were, “I have a dream” that blacks and whites can be friends and don’t judge a book by its cover.

Jasmine Nicklette
P.S. 156,
Springfield Gardens
Third Grade

Through a writing project, children from Southeast Queens remembered the message of Martin Luther King, Jr. this week.