The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Holiday, observed annually on the third Monday of January, honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement.
Dr. King is best known for his role in advocating for racial equality and justice through nonviolent resistance, inspired by his deep faith and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. The holiday, established in 1983 and first observed in 1986, coincides with King’s birthday on January 15 and serves as a reminder of his efforts to end segregation and racial discrimination in the United States.
MLK Day is a time for reflection on Dr. King's contributions to the struggle for civil rights and social justice, as well as a call to action for continuing his work toward equality. Across the country, the holiday is marked by community service projects, educational programs, and public events that honor King’s ideals of peace, justice, and service to others. His iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered during the 1963 March on Washington, remains a powerful symbol of hope and the vision of a racially integrated and harmonious society.