MLK Birthday
Martin Luther
King Jr. was one of the most influential civil rights activists of the twentieth century. His work in the civil rights movement was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. As such, an annual celebration of his life and legacy is observed on the third Monday of January, which is known as MLK Day.
The History of MLK Day
Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, and was assassinated on April 4, 1968. After his death, a national holiday to honor him was proposed and approved by the United States Congress in 1983. The bill was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan, and the first MLK Day was observed on January 20, 1986.
Since then, the holiday has been observed each year in remembrance of Dr. King's life and legacy. During this day, many people participate in volunteer activities, discuss issues of racial justice, and reflect on the progress made in civil rights since Dr. King's death.
MLK Day in 2021
This year, MLK Day takes on a special significance as we reflect on the civil unrest and racial justice issues that have been highlighted in the past year. Many people have used the day to reflect on the progress made since Dr. King's death, and to consider what more can be done to ensure that all people have access to the same opportunities and rights.
This year, many organizations are encouraging people to observe MLK Day by taking part in volunteer activities, donating to organizations that support racial justice, or simply engaging in meaningful conversations about the civil rights movement and the progress that has been made since then.
Videos to Celebrate MLK Day
In addition to volunteering and donating, there are also many videos available online to celebrate MLK Day. Here is one such video from YouTube.com:
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The video features some of Dr. King's most famous speeches, interspersed with interviews from people who were inspired by the civil rights leader. It serves as a reminder of what he fought for, and how far we have come since his death.
Conclusion
MLK Day is an important opportunity to reflect on the civil rights movement and the progress that has been made since Dr. King's death. We can use this day to engage in meaningful conversations about racial justice and volunteer activities that support the fight for equality. We can also watch videos, like the one above, to celebrate Dr. King's life and legacy.