Martin Luther King Jr Coloring Pages | MLK Free PDF Printables

Welcome to our ever-growing collection of Martin Luther King Jr. coloring pages. Each free printable PDF features modern illustrations of MLK Jr. and include many of his famous quotes.

Whether you want a simple activity to teach kids about Martin Luther King Jr. or are lesson planning for a unit about civil rights leaders, this set of MLK Day coloring sheets is a fun way to celebrate the historical figure, Dr. King.

Free Martin Luther King Jr Coloring Pages

MLK Jr. Day is an American federal holiday that's celebrated on the third Monday of January each year. It's a special day that honors the legacy of Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who spent his life fighting for equal rights.

For this collection, we illustrated Dr. King giving impactful speeches, standing in front of churches, and as part of the national monument dedicated to him. Many of the coloring pages also include famous quotes from the American pastor.

While we designed many of these PDFs to color in for older kids, we've also included simple illustrations of MLK Jr. for younger children too. Print some for a done-for-you Martin Luther King Jr. Day activity, social studies lesson plans, or Black History Month celebrations.

MLK Coloring Sheets to Download and Color

All our high-resolution free printable MLK Day coloring pages are standard US letter size, but they also fit perfectly onto A4 paper sizes.

Gather your markers, colored pencils, and gel pens to color something historical and meaningful. Happy coloring!

What Will You Color Next?

If you enjoyed these Martin Luther King Jr. printables for coloring, we think you'll love these too. Print your own personal coloring book from your favorites!

More Free Printables to Color

We've got loads of free printable PDF coloring pages to help your family relax, work on fine motor skills, practice color recognition, or enjoy time together.

Download a few (or a hundred!) today.

Craft Ideas to Make With Martin Luther King Jr Coloring Pages

This collection of 14 unique craft ideas is based on our Martin Luther King printables, designed to combine the fun of coloring with American history.

These fun activities are a great way to learn about the life and achievements of this  key figure in the African-American Civil Rights Movement.

They’re a fantastic resource for teachers and parents, especially during Black History Month or on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January. 

1. DIY ‘I Have a Dream’ Catchers:

Merge art and history with stunning MLK-themed dream catchers.

Color in the Martin Luther King printable pictures and then cut them into circles. 

Make a hoop from bent wire or cardboard. Weave string or yarn inside the hoop to create a web-like pattern. 

Glue your colored cut-outs in the center of the hoop. Decorate the dream catcher with beads, feathers, and strings.

Hang your tribute to MLK in your classroom or above your bed for a decorative accent with real meaning. 

2. Legacy Time Capsule: 

Engage in a journey through time with a MLK-themed capsule.

Include your favorite Martin Luther King Jr. sheets in a time capsule along with personal letters, drawings, or predictions about the future. 

Seal the capsule and decide on a future date (perhaps a future MLK Day) to reopen it. 

Teachers: include in lesson plans for a reflective and hopeful activity for kids of all ages (comprehensive k-12). 

3. Harmony Wind Chimes: 

Create a peaceful and meaningful project to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King.

Cut out a variety of images that represent the ideals and achievements of MLK. Laminate the cutouts to make them weather-resistant. 

Find a stick or rod for the top of your wind chime. This could be a simple wooden dowel, a bamboo stick, or even a sturdy branch.

Cut ribbon, yarn, or twine of varying lengths. Thread beads, bells, or small chimes onto each string for a pleasant sound and visual appeal.

Punch holes in the top of your colored cutouts and tie one to the end of each string.

These wind chimes can be hung outdoors, on a porch, or in a window.

4. Civil Rights Milestones Timeline:

Step back in time and explore the milestones and civil rights legacy of MLK with this craft project.

Color in your free printables and trim important images of Dr. King and his achievements.

Lay out the images (in chronological order) on a long strip of paper or a series of connected sheets. 

Add a brief description or date next to each image, marking significant events in MLK's life. The Martin Luther King Jr Wikipedia page is a fantastic resource.

This timeline can be a great year-round educational tool for social studies and history lessons. 

5. Inspirational Quote Posters:

Bring the powerful words of a historical figure to life with unique wall art. 

Fill in your favorite MLK coloring pages and choose inspiring quotes from his speeches. 

Add these famous quotes to your colored pages, either by writing them directly on the page or by printing and gluing them. 

You can frame or laminate these posters and display them in your classroom, library, or at home to inspire and educate others.

6. Peace and Unity Wreath:

Craft a symbol of harmony with a gorgeous garland. 

Color and cut out pictures of Dr. King, and symbols of peace such as doves, flowers, and hearts. 

Cut out a circular piece of cardboard as your base and glue the cut-outs around it, forming a wreath. 

Embellish the wreath with ribbons, fake flowers, and printed or handwritten quotes.

This beautiful door decoration serves as a fun way to explore the American pastor and his Christian beliefs and teachings. 

7. Justice and Freedom Storybook:

Embark on a journey through Martin Luther King Jr.'s life by making your own book.

Color the pages and decide on the story you want to tell about MLK.

Cut out the colored images and paste them onto separate pages of a blank notebook or stapled paper sheets. 

Under each image, write captions or short descriptions to narrate the story. 

Your handmade storybook can be a personal keepsake or a great resource to use in school.

8. Equality Classroom Banner:

Foster teamwork and creativity with this collaborative class project. 

As a group, fill in lots of the coloring sheets using vibrant hues. 

Arrange these colored pages side-by-side and tape or glue them onto a long roll of paper or fabric to create a banner. 

This banner can be displayed in your classroom or school hallway to celebrate MLK Day.

9. Collaborative Collage of Dreams: 

Showcase the life and legacy of Dr. King with a creative wall art activity. 

Carefully cut out images of MLK and creatively arrange them on a large poster board.

You can glue them in a way that tells a story, conveys a message, or forms a larger abstract image. 

Add additional decorations like quote bubbles and symbols of peace, equal rights, and unity.

10. Peace Dove Mosaic: 

Combine different art techniques to create a stunning visual representation of harmony and celebrate MLK’s Nobel Peace Prize achievement. 

Cut the colored MLK pages into small pieces. 

On a large piece of paper or cardboard, draw the outline of a dove, a universal peace symbol. 

Arrange and glue the small colored pieces within this outline, creating a mosaic effect. 

This project can be a collaborative effort, with each student contributing to the larger picture.

11. Interactive Bulletin Board: 

Create a dynamic and engaging workspace dedicated to MLK using our coloring sheets.

Alongside these images, provide space where students can pin up their thoughts, dreams, or art inspired by MLK's teachings. 

This can be an interactive and evolving display in your classroom or school. 

12. Martin Luther King JR. Puzzle Challenge:

Engage in a thought-provoking and fun activity by transforming your coloring creations into a puzzle game.

After coloring, carefully cut your MLK pages into puzzle pieces. Use larger pieces for children in first grade and more complex pieces for older kids in 5th grade and beyond.

Mix up the pieces and challenge your classmates, friends, or family to reassemble the puzzle. 

This activity is a great conversation starter about MLK's work as a civil rights leader. 

13. Bookmark Bonanza:

Use your free Martin Luther King Jr. coloring pages to make practical keepsakes. 

Cut your coloring pages into bookmark-sized strips (about 2 inches wide and 6 inches long).

Laminate the bookmarks for durability and punch a hole at the top to add a tassel or ribbon. 

These bookmarks can be great project to commemorate Juneteenth (June 19) or MLK Day..

14. Black History Month Placemats: 

Transform your colored artwork into practical home decor during this inspiring month. 

Print horizontal coloring sheets onto card stock and fill them in using your favorite art supplies.

Then, either laminate them or use contact paper to seal each sheet.

Laminate your landscape MLK pages to turn them into durable placemats. 

These DIY placemats can be used at home, in your school cafeteria, or during a classroom celebration.