Quick Facts
Martin
Luther King Day marks the anniversary of the date of birth of the
influential American civil right leader of the same name.
List of dates for other years
Local names
| Name | Language |
|---|---|
| Martin Luther King Day | English |
| Día de Martin Luther King | Spanish |
Martin Luther King Day 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013Martin Luther King Day 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014List of dates for other years
Martin
Luther King Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of
January. It celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King
Jr., an influential American civil rights leader. He is most well-known
for his campaigns to end racial segregation on public transport and for
racial equality in the United States.
"The
Stone Of Hope" memorial by master sculptor Lei Yixin was opened to the
public in West Potomac Park, Washington DC, on August 22, 2011.
©iStockphoto.com/Camrocker
What do people do?
Martin Luther King Day is a relatively new federal holiday and there are few long standing traditions. It is seen as a day to promote equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their background. Some educational establishments mark the day by teaching their pupils or students about the work of Martin Luther King and the struggle against racial segregation and racism. In recent years, federal legislation has encouraged Americans to give some of their time on this day as volunteers in citizen action groups.Martin Luther King Day, also known as Martin Luther King’s birthday and Martin Luther King Jr Day, is combined with other days in different states. For example, it is combined with Civil Rights Day in Arizona and New Hampshire, while it is observed together with Human Rights Day in Idaho. It is also a day that is combined with Robert E. Lee’s birthday in some states.
Public life
Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday, but has slightly different names in some states. Non-essential Government departments are closed, as are many corporations. Some schools and colleges close but others stay open and teach their students about the life and work of Martin Luther King.Small companies, such as grocery stores and restaurants tend to be open, although a growing number are choosing to close on this day. Some compensate by opening on Washington's Birthday instead. Recent federal legislation encourages Americans to give some of their time on Martin Luther King Day as volunteers in citizen action groups. Public transit systems may or may not operate on their regular schedule.
Background
Martin Luther King was an important civil rights activist. He was a leader in the movement to end racial segregation in the United States. His most famous address was the "I Have A Dream" speech. He was an advocate of non-violent protest and became the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was assassinated in 1968.In 1968, shortly after Martin Luther King died, a campaign was started for his birthday to become a holiday to honor him. After the first bill was introduced, trade unions lead the campaign for the federal holiday. It was endorsed in 1976. Following support from the musician Stevie Wonder with his single "Happy Birthday" and a petition with six million signatures, the bill became law in 1983. Martin Luther King Day was first observed in 1986, although it was not observed in all states until the year 2000.
Martin Luther King Day Observances
| Weekday | Date | Year | Name | Holiday type | Where it is observed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Jan 20 | 1986 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 19 | 1987 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 18 | 1988 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 16 | 1989 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 15 | 1990 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 21 | 1991 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 20 | 1992 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 18 | 1993 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 17 | 1994 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 16 | 1995 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 15 | 1996 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 20 | 1997 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 19 | 1998 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 18 | 1999 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 17 | 2000 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 15 | 2001 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 21 | 2002 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 20 | 2003 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 19 | 2004 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 17 | 2005 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 16 | 2006 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 15 | 2007 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 21 | 2008 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 19 | 2009 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 18 | 2010 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 17 | 2011 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 16 | 2012 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 21 | 2013 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 20 | 2014 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday | |
| Mon | Jan 19 | 2015 | Martin Luther King Day | National holiday |
Related holidays
- Civil Rights Day ―Monday, January 21, 2013
- Idaho Human Rights Day ―Monday, January 21, 2013
- Robert E Lee's Birthday ―Saturday, January 19, 2013, Monday, January 21, 2013
Other holidays in January 2013 in United States
- New Year's Day ―Tuesday, January 1, 2013
- Epiphany ―Sunday, January 6, 2013
- Orthodox Christmas Day ―Monday, January 7, 2013
- Stephen Foster Memorial Day ―Sunday, January 13, 2013
- Orthodox New Year ―Monday, January 14, 2013
- Lee Jackson Day ―Friday, January 18, 2013
- Confederate Memorial Day ―Saturday, January 19, 2013
- Robert E Lee's Birthday ―Saturday, January 19, 2013
- Inauguration Day ―Sunday, January 20, 2013
- Robert E Lee's Birthday ―Monday, January 21, 2013
- Civil Rights Day ―Monday, January 21, 2013
- Idaho Human Rights Day ―Monday, January 21, 2013
- Prophet's Birthday ―Thursday, January 24, 2013
- Tu B'Shevat (Arbor Day) ―Saturday, January 26, 2013
- e-Day ―Sunday, January 27, 2013
- International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust ―Sunday, January 27, 2013
- Kansas Day ―Tuesday, January 29, 2013
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