Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday of January, honors the life and work of the civil rights leader. King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial, a location chosen to honor President Abraham Lincoln. The holiday commemorates King’s commitment to equality, justice, and nonviolent protest.
Origins of the Holiday
The idea for a federal holiday began after King’s assassination on April 4, 1968. Rep. John Conyers introduced legislation to honor King just four days later. However, the proposal faced significant resistance. At the time, King’s stance on issues such as poverty, housing, and the Vietnam War was seen as divisive. Public polls showed widespread mistrust of him.
Coretta Scott King, King’s widow, and other advocates, including Stevie Wonder, worked for years to gain support. Wonder’s song “Happy Birthday” helped rally public attention. By the 1980s, changing public attitudes toward civil rights and racial progress paved the way for Congress to act.
In 1983, nearly 15 years after King’s death, President Ronald Reagan signed the legislation establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day. However, several states resisted observing the holiday. Arizona became a notable battleground when Gov. Evan Mecham canceled the state holiday in 1987, prompting protests, canceled events, and boycotts. Arizona reinstated the holiday by voter initiative in 1992 after losing the opportunity to host the Super Bowl. South Carolina became the final state to recognize the holiday in 2000.
A Day of Service
In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed legislation making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a National Day of Service. The day encourages volunteerism and community involvement. Activities include cleaning neighborhoods, packing food for those in need, and organizing blood drives. Organizations like AmeriCorps have supported thousands of service projects nationwide.
Continuing King’s Legacy
The holiday serves as a reminder of King’s values. His daughter, Bernice King, urges people to commit to nonviolence and meaningful action rather than focusing solely on quoting his speeches. Scholars also encourage reading King’s writings, such as the “Letter from the Birmingham Jail,” to deepen understanding of his vision and apply it throughout the year.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day has become a day to reflect on progress and to participate in efforts that promote justice and equality, aligning with the ideals King dedicated his life to achieving.
