Brief History of Martin Luther King Day

Wondering why one must celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Well, here we have got you covered with some important facts about the History of Martin Luther King Day and his achievements, which will give you hundreds of reasons to celebrate this day.

What is Martin Luther King Day?

Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday celebrated every third Monday of January. This year MLK Day falls on January 17. Martin Luther King Day is also known as Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Martin Luther King Jr Day, or MLK Day. This day is celebrated to remember the achievements of Martin Luther King, an influential American civil rights leader. 

Significance of MLK Day

Martin Luther King Day is also known as MLK Day, a national federal holiday that has been celebrated in many different states. People celebrate this day to promote the equal rights of all Americans regardless of their background. Some states celebrate this day along with other important events like Civil Rights Day, Human Rights Day, and Robert E. Lee’s Birthday. 

Martin Luther King is well known for his campaigns to end racial segregation on public transport and also for racial equality in the United States. To appreciate his work and to remember his struggle against racism and racial segregation, many educational establishments teach their students about the works done by Martin Luther King Jr.

What Is the History of Martin Luther King Day?

Even after so many years of his death, Martin Luther King remained to be the most widely known African American leader.  To establish a national holiday in his honor in the United States, the government built a King memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C., near the Lincoln Memorial with the site of his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.

It was supported in 1976 by the musician Stevie marvel together with his single “Happy Birthday” and a petition with six million signatures, the bill became law in 1983. Luther King Day was initially observed in 1986. It had not been determined in all states till the year 2000. In 1990, the Wyoming legislature designated Luther King Jr Day or Wyoming Equality Day as a national holiday.