Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – a.k.a. MLK Day. It’s a day to recognize a man who risked his life to see his children live in a nation built on equality.
Here’s what you need to know about today:
5️⃣ In 1979, Coretta King (widow of MLK) led the charge in honoring her husband’s memory by petitioning for a national holiday to be created in his name. She testified before a joint hearing of Congress and organized a nationwide lobby to support the King-holiday bill, but the bill was defeated in the House by just five votes.
🎶 Following Coretta’s persistence to approve the national holiday, in 1980 prominent proponent Stevie Wonder released the song “Happy Birthday”– which became a rallying cry.
📅 The national holiday was officially created when the bill passed in 1983 – 15 years after his assassination.
📜 It began being observed in 1986, three years after the passing of said bill. This makes this the 34th year of celebrating the holiday.
📅 The last states to sign the bill recognizing MLK Day as a paid holiday did so in 2000.
🕯️ The first celebrations, held across the country on Jan. 20, 1986, consisted of marches, candlelight vigils, concerts, readings, church services, + teach-ins.
🎂 It’s always on the third Monday of January, in celebration of MLK Jr.’s birthday – Jan. 15.
👐 Since 1994, MLK Day has been observed as a national day of service – spent volunteering, giving back + donating to the community.
📅 This year marks the 52nd anniversary of King’s assassination.
Today, we hope you can take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices + vision of Martin Luther King, Jr.– and the likes of him who’ve dared to dream for a brighter future.
