This year, we celebrated the MLK Holiday by accompanying mom across the state to St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, where she was invited to be their keynote speaker. It was so cool to be able to join her… mostly because we got to splash around at the Tundra Lodge Resort Waterpark and visit Lambeau Field, but also because I rarely get to see my mom in action like that!

Mom talked about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights movement and how that movement continues today, and the importance of standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. And as she welcomed people to the struggle that is required to form beloved community, I was equal parts captivated by her words and also moved to boredom because, you know… 9-year-old attention span over here. Still, it was pretty neat to witness other people lean into her message and think that she was a big deal or something, even though she’s just our mom.