Each year on the third Monday of January, we observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (MLK Day) in the United States. Although it is a federal holiday, it is also a chance to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to establish racial equality. This year, aim to make this holiday more than a day off from work. Take the time to select and consider how you can get involved in civil rights issues around the world. 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was born on January 15th, 1929. Best known for his work as a civil rights leader, King dedicated his life to working on racial equality and ending racial segregation in the United States. On MLK Day, we remember his life and achievements, but it took quite some time for Congress to make King’s birthday a federal holiday. 

A Brief History Of MLK Day

The bill first came to vote in the U.S. House of Representative in 1979, but it fell five votes short of the number required for passage. One argument against this day was that it would be too expensive, as a national holiday requires payment for federal employees. The other argument was that it would go against the longstanding tradition to have a holiday that honored a private citizen. King never held public office and, at the time, only two other figures had national holidays: George Washington and Christopher Columbus. 

The King Center sought out support from the general public and corporate community. It was Stevie Wonder’s release of the single “Happy Birthday” that truly popularized the campaign in 1980. Six million signatures were collected to petition for Congress to pass the law, which was the largest petition in favor of an issue in U.S. history. President Reagan, who initially opposed the holiday, signed a bill to create a federal holiday honoring Dr. King on November 2nd, 1983. On January 20th, 1986, the holiday was observed for the first time, and in the year 2000, all 50 states observed MLK Day for the first time. 

MLK Spent His Wedding Night In A Funeral Home

When MLK married Coretta Scott in June of 1953, they couldn’t stay in a hotel that would allow them, as African-Americans, to spend the night. What did they do? The newlyweds spent their first night as a married couple in an African-American-owned funeral home. Five years later, they were able to take a second, more pleasurable honeymoon in Mexico. 

His Birth Name Was Michael

At birth, MLK was given the name Michael King Jr, meaning that his father was Michael King. Later, his father changed his own name to Martin Luther, after the Protestant Reformation leader. He changed the name of his son when he changed his own name. 

The Most Famous Portion Of The “I Have A Dream Speech” May Have Been Improvised

Most people are aware of the first few sentences of this historic speech. It begins with, “I have a dream…,” and his “March on Washington” speech was very long. It was long enough to have been pre-written ahead of time. Historians, however, believe that King ad-libbed his most famous words on the day he gave the speech, August 28th, 1963. The ideas were similar to some that he expressed previously, but he delivered them in a uniquely powerful, memorable way. 

MLK Delivered That Speech To Over 250,000 People

As previously mentioned, MLK’s most famous speech was the “I Have A Dream” speech that he delivered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. He said “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” He gave the speech at the “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom” event. The goal: to promote equal rights for all. Over 250,000 people listened to MLK speak that day, in awe of his words that would inspire future generations. 

There Are Over 900 Streets Worldwide Named For MLK

MLK is one of the most important figures that promoted equal rights via nonviolent tactics. He is a common namesake for streets and boulevards around the world. There are over 900 streets that bear MLK’s name. About 70% of those streets are in the Southern United States, with over 100 streets in King’s home state of Georgia.

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Every third Monday in January honors the birthday of the civil rights activist, leader, and orator, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The journey to true equality among all races is still incomplete, but MLK’s historic contributions to racial justice for Black Americans are undeniable. Although schools or businesses may close for this holiday, it is by no means a day off. It’s a day to recognize nationwide service that honor’s Dr. King’s values and his role in American history.

According to Coretta Scott King, Dr. King’s wife, “This is not a Black holiday; it’s a people’s holiday.” It’s a day to unite for equality, kindness, peace, and love. By honoring these values, we can rise above and become better as people. Depending on the state of COVID-19 in your city or state, in-person events may not be possible, but you can still celebrate MLK Day in a meaningful way. 

Educate Yourself

It’s rare that you learn about history from all sides, especially when it comes to the topic of race in America. One area of the country might learn one thing, while another area grows up with a completely different view. It’s ultimately your responsibility to have a good understanding why there is a day dedicated to MLK. To honor his life, read some of King’s books or read books about him, and attempt to read the ones written by Black authors. Take note of his letters and explore his radical ideology. You may find that you learn things that were never taught in history classes. 

Do Something Good

There are many ways to do good in today’s day and age. You can donate to a cause that advocates nonviolent social change or volunteer at an organization. The Smithsonian Institution and Library of Congress, for example, looks for volunteers to digitally transcribe documents. Projects range from African-American history and women’s suffrage to the personal letters of historical figures like MLK. If you feel uneasy about volunteering in-person because of COVID-19 numbers, research virtual opportunities. The Corporation for National and Community Service allows you to find local volunteer opportunities on MLK Day.

Talk To Your Elders

For Black Americans, especially people with relatives who grew up in the South, talking to older family members can be an eye-opening experience. Many people have grandparents who are living history, protested with Dr. King, or watched the broadcast of his historical March on Washington. Make an effort to reach out to these family members, be it on the phone or in-person. Open up an honest dialogue about the past and you may learn something new about your family history. 

Create Something That Inspires Conversation

Although MLK delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech nearly 60 years ago, his words are just as relevant today. Reflecting on his message of peace and equality may help us imagine a brighter future of positivity. One exercise you can do is write your dreams into existence. Do this in any way that you see fit. Incorporate drawing, painting, or collage into this exercise. As long as you have paper and something to draw/write with, you can make it happen. Encourage children to take part in this project as well, as critical thinking can bring about more social change. 

Join The “March”

In 1963, MLK led a monumental protest of 250,000 people on Washington. All of them believed in one thing: the civil and economic rights for Black Americans. It was before this sea of supportive people that he delivered the “I Have A Dream” speech, cementing his support of the civil rights movement. Although everyone in the United States doesn’t have the luxury of hitting the sidewalk in D.C., you can “march” in your own way. Whether you participate in a parade in your community, attend a virtual parade, or go on a peace walk through your neighborhood, you have the power to march in Dr. King’s honor. 

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President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into office on November 4th, 1983. This was fifteen years after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968), a Baptist minister who led the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the 1950s up until his death. Just months after his death, Congressman John Conyers Jr. of Michigan petitioned to make King’s birthday, January 15^th, a federal holiday.

There was a lot of controversy over the passing of this bill and it wasn’t immediately passed. It actually languished in Congress for 8 years before Jimmy Carter helped support Coretta Scott King, King’s wife, in passing the bill. It was defeated in 1979, though, by just 5 votes. Coretta received some help from legendary musician Stevie Wonder when he wrote the song “Happy Birthday” in 1980. Stevie and Coretta presented the bill to Congress with 6 million support signatures and the House passed the bill with a 338 to 90 vote.

The bill faced some trouble in the Senate because several Republican senators attempted to associate King’s beliefs with those of communists, and they highlighted his alleged sexual dalliances as reasons not to make his birthday a federal holiday. Nevertheless, the bill passed and Reagan signed it into office in 1983. It has since taken place annually on the third Monday in January.

“This is not a black holiday; it’s a people’s holiday,” said Ms. King. That is exactly how we should remember Dr. King. Unite for equality. Be kind to each other, continue spreading love and peace, and always strive to rise above. We need to embody these words now more than ever.

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