What is MLK Day?
MLK Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) is an American federal holiday that honors the life and legacy of the civil rights leader and activist Martin Luther King Jr. It is celebrated each year on the third Monday of January, which is close to his birthday on January 15. The holiday was officially signed into law in 1983, and is observed by all 50 states as a day of service, when people are encouraged to volunteer and help others in need.
History of MLK Day
Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights movement, African American rights, assassination, Congress, President Reagan
Martin Luther King Jr. was an African American civil rights leader and activist who was instrumental in the advancement of civil rights in the United States. He was a leader of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s, and was assassinated in 1968.
The idea for a holiday honoring King was first proposed in 1968, shortly after his death, but it was not until 1983 that Congress passed a bill to make MLK Day a federal holiday. The bill was signed into law by President Reagan in 1983, and the first MLK Day was celebrated in 1986.
How is MLK Day Celebrated?
Volunteerism, service projects, educational activities, parades, ceremonies
MLK Day is celebrated in many different ways. One of the most common ways is through volunteerism and service projects. People are encouraged to volunteer in their local communities on MLK Day, to help those in need and to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Other popular activities include educational activities and events, parades, and ceremonies. These activities are held in many cities across the United States, and often feature speeches, music, and other forms of entertainment.
Conclusion
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) is an American federal holiday that honors the life and legacy of the civil rights leader and activist Martin Luther King Jr. It is celebrated each year on the third Monday of January, and is observed by all 50 states as a day of service, when people are encouraged to volunteer and help others in need. The holiday was officially signed into law in 1983, and is celebrated in many different ways, including volunteerism, service projects, educational activities, parades, and ceremonies.