By Tariq Timberlake, 10 years old
The Lincoln Memorial is an important part of the National Mall. It is in the name of a president of the United States. The Reflecting Pool is in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., made a speech at the Lincoln Memorial about a dream he had about changing the world so Black people and white people could have the same things. They should both be able to drink out of the same fountains, sit anywhere on the bus or vote for whomever they want. That’s what he wanted.
I do, too. I don’t like it when people call me names and make fun of me. I want to be treated right and respected. I want people to respect everyone else, too.
My mom says that back then some people didn’t even think Black people were human beings. I know that that thought is not true and it should never have been that way. Respect is what everyone should have and I think it’s time to show respect.
• Called to the Mall: An Anthology of Stories about the National Mall was a project to teach children how to be active citizens in a democracy. It was created September 25, 2017 by Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School and sponsored by the National Mall Coalition, of Washington, D.C. The book is now available on iBooks, order your copy now.
Read more stories below
Called to the Mall: Harriet Tubman on the $20 Bill
Called to the Mall: Rosa Parks: A Brave Black Woman
Called to the Mall: National Mall — Great Place to Be
Called to the Mall: Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C.!
Called to the Mall: This Sculpture Tells the Story of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment in the Civil War
Called to the Mall: John Lewis: He Changed the World
Called to the Mall: Girls On Fire
Called to the Mall: Memorial for Martin
Called to the Mall: Presenting Marian Anderson
Tags: civil rights, Lincoln Memorial, memorial, Shining Stars Montessori Academy
