The federal government celebrate on the third Monday of January each year to honor Martin Luther King Jr.
The Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Honored Nationwide
On Monday, events across the nation will once again celebrate and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Civil Rights icon, known for his efforts to end segregation and racism through nonviolent means, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He remains the only non-president to have a federal holiday named in his honor. Each year, MLK Day sees the federal government shut down, with citizens nationwide participating in a day of service.
What to Know About MLK Day
When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
MLK Day is observed on the third Monday of January each year to honor Dr. King's contributions. This year, the holiday falls on January 20. The date is chosen to commemorate King's birthday on January 15, 1929, although the holiday rarely aligns with his actual birthday due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This legislation, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968, ensures that many federal holidays are observed on Mondays to create long weekends.
MLK Day and Presidential Inaugurations
This year, MLK Day coincides with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump for his second term. Such coincidences are rare, having occurred only twice before: during Barack Obama's inauguration in 2013 and Bill Clinton's in 1997.
Who Was Martin Luther King Jr.?
Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister who rose to national prominence during the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott in Alabama. He became one of the most influential leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, playing a pivotal role in the fight for racial equality. In 1957, he co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), an organization dedicated to advancing civil rights through nonviolent activism. King's leadership was instrumental in organizing the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, cementing his legacy as a champion of justice and equality.
King’s Legacy of Nonviolent Resistance
Martin Luther King Jr. is renowned for his advocacy of civil disobedience and nonviolent methods to challenge racism and segregation. His commitment to these principles was exemplified in 1963 when he delivered the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech on the National Mall during the March on Washington.
MLK Day: A National Day of Service
MLK Day has been designated as a national day of service, encouraging all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities. According to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, this day is marked by numerous ceremonies and volunteer events held across cities and communities nationwide.
The Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, as noted by the Stanford Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute. He was fatally shot while standing on a second-floor balcony at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. James Earl Ray confessed to the shooting and was sentenced to 99 years in prison. King’s assassination sent shockwaves across the nation and remains a pivotal moment in U.S. history. King, who was 39 at the time, would have turned 96 this month.
The Creation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The campaign to establish a federal holiday in King’s honor began just four days after his assassination. Despite the widespread call to commemorate the leader who played a crucial role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the legislation took years to gain traction. It was not until November 2, 1983, that President Ronald Reagan signed a bill establishing the third Monday of January as a federal holiday to honor King’s legacy. The first observance took place on January 20, 1986.
Observance of the Federal Holiday
As a federal holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day results in the closure of federal offices, providing federal employees with a paid day off, as outlined by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Get it on Google Play
0 Comments