Martin Luther King Jr. Day

civil rights · nonviolent activism · American history · leadership

When is it?. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on the third Monday of January each year. It's a federal holiday, which means most government offices and many businesses close to honor this important day.

Champion of peace. Martin Luther King Jr. was the main leader of the civil rights movement and showed the world that you can stand up against unfair laws without fighting or using violence. His peaceful approach inspired millions of people.

Laws that changed. Because of King's leadership and the civil rights movement, the United States passed important new laws that ended legalized racial discrimination. These laws made it illegal to treat people unfairly because of their race.

Powerful words. King gave inspiring speeches that moved people's hearts and minds, most famously his 'I Have a Dream' speech delivered in 1963. His words still inspire people today to work toward justice and equality.

Lasting legacy. The holiday celebrates King's courage and reminds Americans every year to continue his work of treating all people fairly and standing up against injustice.