Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Yesterday, Monday 20th January, observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday that falls annually on the 3rd Monday in January. The day honours the incredible life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and is typically celebrated with marches, parades and speeches given by civil rights and political leaders.

Born on 15th January 1929, Martin Luther King was a Baptist Minister and civil rights activist in the 1950s and 1960s. He was a fierce campaigner against militarism, poverty and racism, first coming to stature during a 385 day bus boycott by African Americans in Montgomery, Alabama, 1955. Dr. King is regarded as being the most influential of African American civil rights leaders during the 1960s, a historical icon with deep roots in social justice and civil rights.

He is also acknowledged as one of the most famous nonviolent leaders in the world. King both taught and used nonviolent tactics, his nonviolent practices included marching, speaking, preaching, and writing. Despite his nonviolent tactics, Dr. King was frequently met with violent counterprotests, which underlines the horrifying magnitude of hatred and violence aimed at King, especially in his final years before his assassination.

During his life he attained numerous remarkable achievements, at both a personal and a community level. In 1964, he became the youngest man to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize, for his nonviolent campaign against racism, the same year he was also awarded Time Magazine ‘Man of the Year’. Even following his assassination in 1968, he continued to make history and fulfil new achievements. In 1977, almost a decade after his passing, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter.

Dr. King recognised court decisions and legal reform as a central component of broader political and social struggle, his advocacy and nonviolent resistance strategies led to the passage of significant civil rights legislations. In fact, most of the rights that King organised protests around were successfully enacted into the law with the passage of the Civil Rights Act 1964. These included, the Civil Rights Act 1964, an Act which outlawed discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, or national origin. In addition to the Voting Rights Act 1965 which aimed at ensuring equal voting rights for African Americans.

Following his death, calls for a national holiday were introduced to Congress as early as early as 1968, the same year of his assassination. However, due to adequate opposition, on racial and political grounds, blocking its passage it was not passed until later years. The legislation to make the day a federal holiday was passed in 1983, being signed into law by former President, Ronal Reagan, and its first observance nationwide was in 1986. Stevie Wonder was a devoted campaigner, openly sharing his views and encouraging the bill to be passed.

In modern American society, 81% of US adults declare that Martin Luther King Jr. has had a positive impact on the country, with 47% saying that King has had a very positive impact on society. In particular, adults under 50 years of age are more likely than those who are above 50 to state that King has had a very positive impact on their country, a difference that is mostly due to varying perspectives of older and younger White Americans. Conversely, in regard to Black Americans, it is those aged 50 and above who state their belief that King had a very positive impact on the country (60%) more so than those younger than 50 (49%). ?

On a day dedicated to honouring him, there are numerous ways that you can reflect upon Dr. King’s work and continue his legacy in your life. Martin Luther King Jr. strongly believed in fighting for the wellbeing of all mankind, encouraging performing good deeds regardless of any possible reward, so look for places where you can give back to your community, or those less fortunate than you. Another way to honour his legacy is to reflect upon and learn the history of your nation, either through books, documentaries, or museums. Furthermore, engage in conversations with family and friends, talk about his impact and other leaders who have made a positive impact on their lives.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy continues to live on, not just in America, but globally. His admirable and outstanding advocacy for racial justice has shaped American society and the legal landscape as we know it today. Whilst there is inevitably still a long way to go, King’s work and lasting impact continues to inspire many to make positive societal changes. So, however you chose to honour Dr. King yesterday, we hope that you enjoyed a fantastic day of reflection and community improvement.