MLK Day: Celebrating Dr. King's Life And Legacy In Fighting For Civil Rights
Every year, people around the United States celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the third Monday in January. This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, or MLK Day, will take place on Monday, January 20. This national day serves as a way to remember Dr. King’s life and legacy as a civil rights leader in the United States. Below, we’ll discuss Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his work in fighting for civil rights, and the history of MLK Day.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: history and origins
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. His father and one of his grandfathers were both Baptist pastors. Dr. King also eventually entered the ministry himself after receiving his doctorate from Boston University. It was in Boston where he met his wife, Coretta Scott King, with whom he had four children. They eventually moved to Montgomery, Alabama, where he served as pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.
American civil rights work
Dr. King was living in Alabama in 1955 when Rosa Parks, a Black woman, refused to give up her bus seat to a white person. Activists chose Dr. King to be leader of the Montgomery Improvement Association, which boycotted the local transit system for its racial discrimination. Dr. King spoke the following words in his first speech to the association:
“We have no alternative but to protest. For many years we have shown an amazing patience. We have sometimes given our white brothers the feeling that we liked the way we were being treated. But we come here tonight to be saved from that patience that makes us patient with anything less than freedom and justice.”
Just over a year after the boycott began, Montgomery’s buses were desegregated, making this a significant win in the Civil Rights Movement.
Dr. King’s work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Following his work with the Montgomery Improvement Association, Dr. King co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957. The SCLC gave Dr. King the opportunity to lead other civil rights figures in the South and reach audiences all around the country. Dr. King would go on to travel more than 6 million miles and deliver more than 2,500 speeches on the need for equality.
Dr. King in India
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was strongly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and his emphasis on nonviolence as a powerful way to push back against injustice and work toward change. In 1959, Dr. King and other civil rights leaders traveled to visit the Indian prime minister at the time, Jawaharlal Nehru. Dr. King believed so strongly in the concept of nonviolence that it informed major protests that he led in the US, such as the March on Washington in 1963.
Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech
On August 28, 1963, more than 200,000 people gathered for the March on Washington. During this historic event, Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial. The following are some of the most memorable lines from this monumental speech:
“So even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today.”
A year after the March on Washington, in 1964, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act. The Civil Rights Act prohibited discrimination in employment and federally funded programs in addition to enforcing desegregation in public accommodations, such as schools.
Dr. King’s assassination
In 1968, Dr. King visited Memphis, Tennessee to support a strike of sanitation workers. During this visit, on April 4, he was shot by a sniper while he was standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. Dr. King’s death sparked protests in more than 100 cities around the country.
The history of Martin Luther King Day being celebrated on the third Monday in January
Martin Luther King Day was first celebrated in 1986. In 1994, Congress declared MLK Day a federal holiday designated specifically as a day of service. However, before the first Dr. King holiday, some members of the fraternity Dr. King belonged to proposed a memorial to him in Washington, DC.
Today, people may observe MLK Day by attending parades in his honor, learning about the history of civil rights in the United States, and volunteering for or donating to organizations that support racial equality and civil rights.
Getting support from mental health professional
While Dr. King’s contributions to the civil rights movement were pivotal, discrimination and inequality persist to this day. Discrimination can cause significant mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and others. Those who have been through such events may find it helpful to meet with a licensed mental health professional—particularly one who has cultural competence and can make an individual feel seen and supported in their experiences.
Connecting with a therapist online
Some people live in areas with very few therapists who understand the effects of discrimination, or very few therapy providers in general. In such cases, online therapy can be a useful tool for finding a therapist who is a good fit. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can connect to a large network of licensed therapists and get matched with one who suits your needs and preferences. You can then meet with them remotely from home or anywhere you have an internet connection. Online therapy allows individuals to communicate with a therapist in a way that’s comfortable for them, whether that’s via audio, video, or live chat. Online therapy also tends to be more affordable than in-office therapy without insurance.
Does online therapy work?
Over the last decade, a number of peer-reviewed studies have indicated that online therapy can often be effective. For example, one meta-analysis of studies suggests that online therapy can be more effective than in-person therapy for treating symptoms of depression in some cases.
Takeaway
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left an unforgettable legacy due to his lifelong commitment to fighting for civil rights. Every year, MLK Day serves as an opportunity to recognize Dr. King’s immense contributions. Despite Dr. King’s work, racial discrimination persists and can have a profound effect on a person’s mental health. If you’ve experienced discrimination, you may benefit from speaking with a mental health professional who understands the unique challenges you’ve faced.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some common questions related to MLK Day.
Why is MLK Day celebrated on a Monday in January?
MLK Day is celebrated on the third Monday of January because of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. He was born on January 15, but assigning this federal holiday to the third Monday ensures that it’s always observed on a weekday. MLK Day is currently the only federal holiday or national holiday that commemorates a Black American individual.
What did Martin Luther King Jr. do for the American civil rights movement?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. He co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and delivered a famous speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, among many others. His work mobilized thousands of people around the country in the fight for equality.
Why was Martin Luther King Jr. put in jail?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was put in jail 29 times, often for civil disobedience or for false charges. On April 12, 1963, was jailed for “parading without a permit” in Birmingham, Alabama. It was there where he wrote his famous “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.”
Is MLK Day a federal holiday?
Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday in the United States. This celebration of King’s legacy takes place on the third Monday of January each year.
What is MLK Day celebrated for?
MLK Day is celebrated to honor the life and legacy of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. King was the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, among many other accomplishments, such as contributing to the passing of the Voting Rights Act. King’s birthday was on January 15th, which is why MLK Day takes place on the third Monday of each January.
Why is MLK Day not a national holiday?
According to federal legislation, MLK Day is a national holiday. President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law in 1983. This established the third Monday in January as a federal holiday to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. By the year 2000, this holiday was endorsed on the state level by all 50 states.
Does everyone get Martin Luther King's day off?
Not everyone gets MLK Day off from work. Some sources report that less than 50% of Americans are given the day off. It’s often recommended that those who do get the day off take it as an opportunity to engage in a community service act, participate in volunteer opportunities, or contribute to service projects. This can be a wonderful way to give back to your beloved community and honor Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy.
Is MLK Day considered a paid holiday?
Federal employees receive payment on MLK Day, even if they receive the day off. However, not all employers give their employees the day off or view the day as a paid holiday.
Is MLK Day a postal holiday?
United States Postal Service offices are closed on MLK Day because it is one of several public holidays.
Which states don't honor MLK Day?
All 50 states honor MLK Day and have done so since the year 2000. However, while most states simply refer to the holiday as “MLK Day,” other states have alternative names for MLK Day. For example, Wyoming legislature has established MLK Day as “Martin Luther King Jr./Wyoming Equality Day.” In New Hampshire, it is called “Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Day.” Similarly, the day is known as “Martin Luther King Jr./Civil Rights Day” in Arizona.
- Previous Article
- Next Article