The Importance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. is most famous for being an activist who led the Civil Rights Movement. He was also a baptist minister who advocated for racial equality through his faith. Martin Luther King Jr. Even though he was assassinated, he left a long lasting legacy as an important figure who fought for equality when others didn’t.

For the holiday, it is the third Monday in January and it serves as an honor for Martin Luther King Jr. It honors his life, achievements, and legacy for fighting against racial inequality. After his assasination, people immediately began protesting for Martin Luther King Jr. to be recognized as a federal holiday. There was a long drawn out legislative battle for 15 years due to the fact that he had never been in office before. But in 1983, former President Ronald Reagan passed the holiday on November 2, 1983. Even though it was signed that year, not all 50 states recognized it as a holiday until 2000. The day chosen was because it was close to the day Martin Luther King Jr. was born, January 15, 1929. 

As the holiday continues today, it is served as an “action oriented day of service”. Which in other words, a time for the community to come together and reflect on the issues of racial inequality. The holiday also serves as a reminder to stand up for injustice around us, especially during tough political times today. A lot of people use the holiday as an educational moment, to teach the younger generations of what Martin Luther King Jr. did and how he essentially changed a huge issue in the United States. In honor of his good deeds, a lot of schools, banks, and work areas close to give people time to celebrate the holiday.

Overall, what Martin Luther King Jr. did for our country was truly motivational and forever changed the history of the United States. His holiday serves as a reflection of what an ordinary person can do for other people and it is important we recognize and celebrate what he did for the people of the United States.

Image Courtesy of DC Journal.