I'm sure most schools around America are taking the day off and students are sleeping in. Of course, we always love an extra day to relax on holidays, but do we ever think about what the holiday means? Why is it a holiday? Who is this person and what did they do?
>> 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.
>> 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.
>> In 1968 shortly after his assassination, people campaigned to have his birthday become a holiday to honor him. The federal government endorsed the bill in 1976.
Famous quote by MLK:
- “Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase.”
- “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
- “Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it, because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.”
- “I have a dream that one day little black boys and girls will be holding hands with little white boys and girls.”
- “No person has the right to rain on your dreams.”
Happy Birthday, MLK!
xoxo
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