With a new year comes another round of holidays to celebrate. One of the first holidays of the year is very significant: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day). It occurs every year on the third Monday of January, giving many people a three-day weekend. With its 40th anniversary this year, let’s look back on how this holiday came about.
Martin Luther King Jr., also known as Dr. King, was one of the most significant figures during the civil rights movement. He was a civil rights activist who held many protests and marches to fight against racial segregation. He is most well known for his “I Have a Dream” speech. It was delivered on Aug. 28, 1963 during the March on Washington, a protest against racial discrimination and support for the then pending civil rights legislation in Congress. Delivered with power and perseverance, it became one of the most iconic speeches of the 20th century. Years later, MLK Day was created to honor Dr. King’s legacy, but it wasn’t an easy journey.
The holiday was first proposed on April 8, 1968 by Democratic Michigan Congressman John Conyers, just four days after Dr. King’s assassination. Although the holiday was suggested in hopes to celebrate and show respect to him and his achievements, not everyone was onboard. For the day to be an official federal holiday, it needed congressional approval, and there wasn’t enough. Despite the lack of congressional support, Conyers didn’t give up. According to nmaahc.si.edu, “He continued to reintroduce the legislation every year with the support of the Congressional Black Caucus.”
As the years went on, support for the holiday grew exponentially. Citizens spread the word and backed up the holiday, slowly pressuring congress to do the same. Even famous celebrities contributed to the cause. According to constitutioncenter.org, “Musician Stevie Wonder helped in 1981 by releasing the song ‘Happy Birthday’ to promote the holiday.” Eventually, their hard work paid off, and on Nov. 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the bill to officially make MLK Day a federal holiday, the first celebration occurring on Jan. 20, 1986, 40 years ago.
Today, there are many ways we celebrate MLK Day. Some participate in community events, some learn more about the day, and others take the time to reflect. Regardless, we use this day to honor the life of Dr. King, the civil rights activist who advocated for peace and equality among citizens of all races. As Dr. King had once said, “Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.”
