I’m sure you’ve heard of the famous Martin Luther King Jr., but do you know the history behind his holiday? Well let me give you some background. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and leader of the civil rights movement. He fought for equality and human rights for African Americans. You may know him for his famous speech “I Have a Dream”.

Four days after King’s assassination in 1968, Democratic Congressman John Conyers introduced the first bill to make King’s birthday a federal holiday. President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law on November 2, 1983. The first MLK day was January 20, 1986. It took until the year 2000 for all 50 states to recognize the holiday. Arizona opposed it until a referendum was passed in 1992. The holiday faced opposition from some on racial and political grounds.

MLK day is celebrated in many ways: Parades and marches, people gather to march and parade in support of Dr. King’s vision. Speeches: civil rights leaders and politicians give speeches about Dr Kings legacy. Events, local such as readings, exhibitions, or performances. There are also other ways his history is celebrated like reading about his life’s work, watching or listening to his speeches, reading a book about Dr. King or the civil rights movement, as well as planting a tree as a tribute to Dr. King.