How MLK Day Became a National Holiday

As you know, January 15 is Martin Luther King Day, the holiday celebrating the life of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Each year on the third Monday of January we observe Martin Luther King Day and reflect on the work that still needs to be done for racial equality. This January 15, make the holiday more than just a day off and take time to reflect and take action on civil rights issues across the globe. Every MLK Day, schools and offices are closed, but people fully participate in remembering and honoring everything King has accomplished. His values and historical place in American history are discussed and advocated to educate communities and coming generations on the importance of equality and King’s influence. Movies and documentaries on his life are shown, and businesses and organizations run by and for the Black community are shown some support. But how did it become a national holiday????

History of MLK Day

The concept of Martin Luther King Day as a holiday was promoted by labor unions. After King’s death, U.S. Representative John Conyers and U.S. Senator Edward Brooke introduced a bill in Congress to make King’s birthday a national holiday. The bill first came to a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1979; however, it fell five votes short of the number needed for passage. Two of the main arguments mentioned by opponents were that a paid holiday for federal employees would be too expensive and that a holiday to honor a private citizen would be contrary to longstanding tradition, as King never held public office. At the time, only two other figures had national holidays honoring them: George Washington and Christopher Columbus. Soon after, the King Center looked for support from the corporate community and the general public. The success of this strategy was cemented when Grammy award-winning musician Stevie Wonder released the single ‘Happy Birthday’ to popularize the campaign in 1980 and hosted the Rally for Peace Press Conference in 1981.

Years later the song would be used for other birth celebrations.

Six million signatures were collected for a petition for Congress to pass the law and is considered the largest petition in favor of an issue in U.S. history. President Reagan originally opposed the holiday, citing cost concerns. But on November 2, 1983, Reagan signed a bill, proposed by Representative Katie Hall, to create a federal holiday honoring King. The bill had passed the Senate by a count of 78 to 22, and the House of Representatives by 338 to 90. The holiday was observed for the first time on January 20, 1986. It’s observed on the third Monday of January rather than directly on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday because it follows the guidelines of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Now, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed by all 50 states. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is one of many holidays throughout the world that celebrate political leaders and activists.

Why is it an important holiday?

Martin Luther King devoted himself to helping end segregation in the United States and worked to eliminate unfair practices throughout the nation that negatively affected the Black community. He helped organize rallies, gave speeches across the country, and mobilized thousands of people to help end racial injustice.

How is Dr. King's family celebrating January 15?

While we are celebrating MLK Day, what about Dr. King's family? Do they celebrate MLK Day? How does the family celebrate January 15?

Not Exactly.

According to the Daily Beast, Dr. King's family is calling for action to vote until the Biden administration and Congress succeed on voting rights policy instead of celebrating MLK Day.

"This legacy is not about Martin, Arndrea, and Yolanda. This legacy and what Martin Luther King fought and stood for really is about all of us. And it really is up to us to continue in our own unique way that legacy but also to protect and restore all of the gains that were made. And also, in a very real sense, to do our part to continue to be the flames of what’s just and equitable.”

Arndrea Waters King, Martin Luther King's daughter-in-law

At least his family is doing something that Martin is standing up for.

#MLKDay

Source

YouTube

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/martin-luther-king-junior-family-says-holiday-no-cause-for-celebration/

https://www.thedailybeast.com/martin-luther-king-jrs-family-says-dont-celebrate-mlk-day-pass-voting-rights

https://nationaltoday.com/martin-luther-king-day/