In 1983, legislation was successfully passed to create a federal holiday honoring the birth of Martin Luther King Jr., and as of the year 2000, all fifty of the United States officially observe this holiday.
Martin Luther King Jr., who has been described as a civil rights leader, activist, clergyman, and humanitarian more than deserves this national recognition. His advocacy of non-violent protests, participation in civil rights campaigns, and powerful speeches inspired much-needed change throughout the nation.
Thanks to King’s influence, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1968, combating discrimination by race, national origin, and religion. This was later expanded to include other groups, but this act was a step in the right direction to eliminating segregation in this country.
While King was born on January 15, 1929, his birthday is annually observed on the third Monday in January. This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on January 20. We humbly pay our respects to this remarkable man on this day.
