This article is part of a series in celebration of a new, dynamic voice in Black America: the NUBIANO Exchange. Brace yourself for the NUBIANO experience.

Nick News: Martin Luther King reflects on the life and times of Martin Luther King by examining his legacy through the eyes of children and three distinguished community leaders (Julian Bond, Jesse Jackson, and Martin Luther King, III). Going beyond the typical news format, Nick News host Linda Ellerbee encourages young viewers to ask important questions so that they may know more about the world around them.

While some adults have difficulty discussing the Civil Rights Movement, Nick News makes heavy concepts, like racial identity and social awareness, palatable to youth. With Linda Ellerbee's signature flair, this timely piece is an essential blueprint for navigating history sans the "black history month" fluff.

Ellerbee introduces Nick News: Martin Luther King with the following monologue: "Do you ever wonder what it would take to change the world? Do you think you could do it? Would you be surprised if I told you, ‘I know you can?' One person. Sometimes that's all it takes. One person to stand up. One person to speak up."

The opening segment covers Jim Crow laws and Southern segregation; non-violent protest, with special attention given to 1955's Montgomery Bus Boycott; the signing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964; and the death of King on April 4, 1968. Images of seminal events are complemented with voice-overs that describe their significance — offering younger viewers some sense of their historical context and manageable doses of social commentary. When addressing the legacy of King, Julian Bond notes that he was "[s]omeone that could lift [black citizen's] spirits up and give [them] a kind of strength that [they] didn't know [they] had."

Ellerbee begins the second segment with discussion over the recent discovery that President Thomas Jefferson probably had children with Sally Hemings, one of his slaves. Ellerbee goes on to say: "The media described these kids as Jefferson's black kids. Which brings up an interesting question: How do we define someone's race? Clearly, Jefferson wasn't African-American. So how is it that we can so easily label his kids? And why do we use skin color to define ourselves?" What follows is a montage sequence, with video clips of children describing ways in which they can help people of different races see one another more clearly.

In segment three, Ellerbee starts off with the following quote from King: "We will not be satisfied, until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream." To emphasize the power of words through public speaking, special attention is paid to Ayinde Jean-Baptiste, a 12-year-old boy, who spoke at the Million Man March in Washington, D.C. Ayende shares with viewers the need for a "freedom free of hate" and a "freedom full of love." Both ideals require individuals to "practice what they preach" and "preach what they practice."

The episode's fourth and final segment covers two relevant social issues: racism and hate crimes. Ellerbee notes that Martin Luther King once said, "It may be true that the law can not make a man love me, but it can keep him from lynching me. And I think that's pretty important." Ellerbee points out that "[King] was right and [America] did change [her] laws. And that was important." Jesse Jackson notes, in the segment, that "at least today, hate crimes, when they happen are illegal." Later, King's son, Martin Luther King III states that everybody, simply, has to "get in the habit of doing something positive."

Nick News: Martin Luther King closes with Ellerbee's signature call to action: "The Revered Martin Luther King, Jr. pointed out that many of the ugly pages of history have been forgotten. Certainly, the oppression of black Americans was one of the ugliest pages, which is why we want you to remember it. And to remember a man named Martin Luther King, Jr. And to work for justice." Using the words of Dr. King, Ellerbee urges all viewers to "[u]se time creatively and forever realize that the time is always right to do right."

The Final Word

Nick News: Martin Luther King (with Linda Ellerbee) strives to empower young Americans to be the change that they want to see in the world, by letting them know that there is no need to wait! Change can start today, because one person can make a difference. The life of Dr. King reminds us of this.

History has shown us, time and time again, that real change can come. Change will not always be easy. And change will not always come quickly. But if change is desired, one must be willing to work hard for it.

The ultimate legacy of Dr. King has been left for us to decide, and there lies a power, within each and every one of us, that can be used as a catalyst for change. This power tugs at our hearts daily — begging to be used. How — and when — will you use it?