Why is Martin Luther King Day not on his birthday?
Why is Martin Luther King Day not on his birthday?
Monday marks nation-wide celebrations in honor of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. The day is meant to commemorate King’s birthday. But it’s not his birthday. MLK Day is observed on the third Monday in January because of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, a bill signed into law in 1968 and enacted in 1971.
What is MLK Day Celebrated for?
Martin Luther King Day is observed every year on the third Monday of January — on January 17 this year. King was an influential civil rights leader — best known for his work on racial equality and ending racial segregation in the United States. His life and achievements are remembered and celebrated on this day.
Is Martin Luther King holiday his birthday?
King’s birthday was finally approved as a federal holiday in 1983, and all 50 states made it a state government holiday by 2000. Officially, King was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta. But the King holiday is marked every year on the third Monday in January.
Do all states observe Martin Luther King Day?
While all states now observe the holiday, some did not name the day after King. For example, in New Hampshire, the holiday was known as “Civil Rights Day” until 1999, when the State Legislature voted to change the name of the holiday to Martin Luther King Day. In Arizona: “Martin Luther King Jr./Civil Rights Day”.
How do you observe Martin Luther King Day?
- Go deeper into MLK’s speeches.
- Organize (or participate in) a Giving March.
- Attend a local MLK parade with kids.
- Take in an MLK documentary or film.
- Martin Luther King Day: Books galore and for all ages.
- Visit your local library — many are hosting special MLK events.
- Plant a tree as a symbol of growth.
- We’re in a tense time.
Was Martin Luther King Day in February?
Martin Luther King Jr. was the second.) In 1971, the holiday known as Washington’s Birthday experienced a big change with the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which created more three-day weekends for workers. This act moved the holiday to the third Monday in February.