Martin Luther King Jr. Day

On Monday, the 20th of this year, students around the country had off from school to honor Martin Luther King Jr. MLK was one of the most influential people in our society as he was the leader of the Civil Rights Movement that gave people of all races equal rights. He was most known for his “I Have a Dream” speech, in which he described racial injustices in this country and how people of color would usually have poorer conditions in public facilities, including restrooms and access to water fountains. He also described the mistreatment by the police and the general public. His speeches and peaceful protests led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the end of segregation in our country, giving equal rights to all.  

We celebrate every year on the third Monday of January, but this didn’t become a federal holiday until former President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law during his second term. We celebrate at this time of year because MLK’s birthday was January 15th, 1929, around the time we could have a Monday in the yearly calendar. Although just a day off for some students, it honors one of the most important people ever who changed history and the way our society works forever.