Martin Luther King Jr. Day
About Martin Luther King Jr. Day
When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day? This holiday is observed on the third Monday in January
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday. Also called MLK Day, it honors the greatest civil rights activist in American history. His birthday became a National Holiday by an act of Congress in 1983. Many consider it a day to serve your community.
Born on January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. grew to become one of the greatest social activists the world has ever known. He promoted a non-violent civil rights movement. At 35, he became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace prize. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968, while making a speech from the balcony of his hotel room in Memphis, Tennessee.
How to Celebrate MLK. Day
- Learn more about this great man.
- Become active in promoting civil rights.
- Find a positive way to serve your community.
- Hold a parade.
- Have a community celebration.
Martin Luther King Jr. Trivia
- His legal birth name at birth was Michael King.
- After a trip to Germany, his father changed his and his son’s name to Martin Luther King in honor of the German reformer Martin Luther.
- His father was an activist against segregation.
- His “I Have a Dream” speech was one of the most powerful and famous speeches in American history.
- He sang with his church choir at the 1939 Atlanta premiere of the movie Gone with the Wind.
Today's Quote
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.” – – Martin Luther King Jr.
History and Origin of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The U.S. Congress made this a federal holiday. It was first observed on Monday, January 20, 1986.
More About Today
Recipe of the Day: Beef Stroganoff
Plant of the Day: Borage
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