American Holidays: Martin Luther King Day

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Martin Luther King, Jr. combated racial oppression through civil disobedience, which is when people refuse to obey laws they find morally wrong using nonviolent measures.

His civil rights protests and marches sparked a revolution, helping to gain equal rights for Black Americans throughout the United States. In 1968, he was assassinated for his beliefs.

Learn about his life and achievements in the video below.

• Do you think these acts make him worthy of a national holiday in his honor?

Many began advocating for a national holiday honoring the civil rights leader shortly after his death. This motion was controversial because, at the time, George Washington was the only person with a national holiday in his name.

At first, supporters wanted to make a holiday on April 4, which was the day he died.

In 1983, a bill went through both houses of Congress approving a national holiday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. When the bill came to President Ronald Reagan's desk for final approval or veto, the president was reluctant to sign.

While Reagan admired Dr. King's work, he feared that giving an individual a national holiday would open the door for other people and groups to start demanding the same. Knowing Congress would likely override a veto of the bill, President Reagan signed it into law in 1983.

Martin Luther King Day (MLK Day) was first publicly observed in 1986.

Today, MLK Day is celebrated on the third Monday in January because the third week of January is close to Dr. King's birthday on January 15.

Many states and groups combine MLK Day with other holidays and events. For example, the holiday is combined with Civil Rights Day in Arizona and New Hampshire and Human Rights Day in Idaho.

Some people are given the day off from work, and some schools allow students to stay home. Schools still in session for the day usually spend time teaching about Dr. King and the history of civil rights in America.

Those who are given time off from work are encouraged to spend time volunteering. Overall, the day is meant to remember Dr. King, reflect on the history of civil rights in the United States, and encourage volunteerism.

Think about the most recent MLK Day.

• Did you do anything to celebrate?
• Did you learn about Dr. King and his work?

Move to the Got It? section to learn more about this American holiday.