MLK Day (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) is a U.S. federal holiday on the third Monday of January that honors civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy. It serves as a national day of community service and volunteering to promote equality and justice, with celebrations including marches, speeches, and service projects. Established in 1983, it commemorates his fight against segregation and discrimination through nonviolent protest, encouraging Americans to act on his dream of a better world.

Purpose & Significance

Honors Dr. King: Commemorates his birthday (Jan 15) and his pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement.

National Day of Service: The only federal holiday designated for volunteerism, promoting community improvement and social justice.

Call to Action: A day to reflect on King's fight for racial equality, workers' rights, and human dignity, and to translate his ideals into community action.

History & Observance

Campaign: A 15-year campaign followed his 1968 assassination, culminating in President Ronald Reagan signing the bill into law in 1983.

First Observed: January 20, 1986, as the first federal holiday honoring an African American.

National Day of Service: Legislation in 1994 officially designated it as a day of volunteer service, in line with Coretta Scott King's vision. 

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