Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Difference between revisions
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'''Martin Luther King Jr. Day''' (also known as '''MLK Day''') is a '''federal holiday''' in the [[United States]] observed on the | '''Martin Luther King Jr. Day''' (also known as '''MLK Day''') is a '''federal holiday''' in the [[United States]] observed on the '''third Monday of January''' each year. It honors the life, leadership, and legacy of '''Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.''', a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement. | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
Dr. King advocated for | Dr. King advocated for '''nonviolent resistance''', racial equality, and justice. He is best remembered for leading the '''Montgomery Bus Boycott''', the '''March on Washington''', and delivering his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. | ||
He was assassinated on | He was assassinated on '''April 4, 1968''', in Memphis, Tennessee. | ||
After years of activism: | After years of activism: | ||
* '''1983''' – President '''Ronald Reagan''' signed the holiday into law | |||
* '''1986''' – First nationally observed MLK Day | |||
* '''2000''' – All 50 states officially recognized the holiday | |||
== Meaning and Observance == | == Meaning and Observance == | ||
| Line 30: | Line 30: | ||
Many Americans honor the day by: | Many Americans honor the day by: | ||
* Attending | * Attending '''memorial services or marches''' | ||
* Participating in | * Participating in '''community service and volunteer work''' | ||
* Reflecting on Dr. King's speeches and writings | * Reflecting on Dr. King's speeches and writings | ||
Latest revision as of 14:13, 7 July 2025
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | United States |
| Type | Federal holiday |
| Date | Third Monday in January |
| Scheduling | Varies (third Monday) |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Celebrates | The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. |
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (also known as MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the third Monday of January each year. It honors the life, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement.
History
Dr. King advocated for nonviolent resistance, racial equality, and justice. He is best remembered for leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and delivering his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
He was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee.
After years of activism:
- 1983 – President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law
- 1986 – First nationally observed MLK Day
- 2000 – All 50 states officially recognized the holiday
Meaning and Observance
The holiday celebrates:
- Dr. King’s fight for civil rights
- Nonviolence and peaceful protest
- The ongoing struggle for racial and social equality
Many Americans honor the day by:
- Attending memorial services or marches
- Participating in community service and volunteer work
- Reflecting on Dr. King's speeches and writings
The “Day of Service”
MLK Day is promoted as a “Day On, Not a Day Off”, encouraging citizens to engage in community betterment and social action.
Notable Locations
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Atlanta, Georgia
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial – Washington, D.C.
- Ebenezer Baptist Church – Dr. King’s home church in Atlanta
Fun Facts
- Dr. King was the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize at age 35
- He is the only American honored with a national holiday for a private citizen
- Many schools and government offices are closed in observance