Many people remember Martin Luther King Jr. as an activist who led the American civil rights movement through the use of nonviolent resistance. We celebrate his life on the Monday nearest to his birthday. This year, the holiday falls on Monday, January 20th.
He fought for civil rights, voting rights, worker’s rights, desegregation, and much more. His work earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He oversaw the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955 and later he became the first president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). King was incarcerated multiple times as a peaceful protester.
President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later on January 20th, 1986. King was born January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia and killed April 4, 1968 at the age of 39 while he was giving his “I’ve been to the Mountaintop” speech. Many people are still inspired by his ideas and efforts for equality today.
As you enjoy this three day weekend, you should take a moment to remember Martin Luther King Jr.
