Martin Luther King Jr. Day: A Fight That Lasts 15 Years
The King Holiday Act, named after civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on November 2, 1983, making the third Monday of January a federal holiday in his honor. Four days after Dr. King's killing on April 4, 1968, the first bill declaring the third Monday in April as Martin Luther King Jr. Day was introduced in Congress.
But it took civil rights advocates 15 years to get the federal government to recognize the holiday, and another 17 years for it to be recognized in all 50 states. To this day, it remains the only official holiday specifically set aside as a "national day of service" to rally the entire country behind the cause of doing good deeds for the sake of others.
This law, the King Holiday Act, was a pivotal moment for the civil rights movement and America as a whole, but it was also the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from advocates who recognized the necessity of a day to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The act itself was an immense victory for the civil rights movement, but it was also a reminder of the struggles that King and many other activists faced during their lifetimes.
As a result, the King Holiday Act was both a victory and a reminder of the progress that had been made, as well as how much further there was still to go. The law, which was signed in 1983, declared the third Monday of every January to be a federal holiday. This law was a significant step forward, but it would not have been possible without the tireless work of activists who had worked hard to ensure that their voices were heard.
The passing of the King Holiday Act was an important moment in American history. It marked the progress of the civil rights movement, while also highlighting the work that was still necessary to create a more equitable and just society. Despite being a powerful statement in favor of civil rights, the King Holiday Act was only the beginning of an ongoing effort to ensure that the rights and contributions of all people are recognized. Activists had fought tirelessly for the law’s passage, ensuring that their voices were heard and pushing legislators to take action.