On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, thousands of Americans join parades, volunteer, or just take a few minutes to contemplate the legacy of a man devoted to peace. And odds are, at least a few Hiroshima and Toronto do not observe Martin Luther King’s, Jr. Day as a public holiday, yet both of them officially recognize the day as an act to spread the message of human rights equality for all people regardless their gender, race, and social status. Yesterday, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, thousands of Americans joined parades, volunteered, or just took a few minutes to contemplate the legacy of a man devoted to peace. And odds are, at least a few people in Japan did, too–thanks to a former Hiroshima mayor who was also an MLK superfan. Every year in the city of Hiroshima, Japan, a special banquet at the mayor’s office honors Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. This seemingly unlikely pairing holds deep significance. Hiroshima, forever marked by the horrors of nuclear war, finds an echo in King’s commitment to nonviolence. Hiroshima, Japan. The city of Hiroshima is one of the few places outside of the United States that observes Martin Luther King Jr (MLK) day. The celebration came about under former mayor Tadatoshi Akiba, who annually held a banquet at the mayor’s office in commemoration of King. “Hiroshima is one of the only cities outside North America to honor Martin Luther King Day,” historian Patrick Parr says. The relationship highlights a lesser-known part of King’s legacy, his During his life, Martin Luther King was vocal in condemning America’s use of nuclear weapons in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In 1967, he wrote a letter addressed to the ‘People of Japan’ in which he acknowledged the devastation of nuclear warfare on the country. In 1983, about 20 years after King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, legislation for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday of January cleared Congress and President Ronald Reagan signed it. In 1983, about 20 years after King's "I Have a Dream" speech, legislation for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday of January cleared Congress and President Ronald Reagan signed it In 1983, about 20 years after King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, legislation for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday of January cleared Congress and President Ronald Reagan signed it. 1 Martin Luther King Day Hiroshima is one of the only places outside of the United States to observe Martin Luther King Day because he wrote a letter to Japan weeks before his death, requesting to visit the country and spread his message of peace. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day recognizes the birth of the civil rights leader who led marches and boycotts Hiroshima Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday, Memorial Martin Luther King Jr. Day is just over the horizon, this year taking place on Monday 20 January. Here’s why the day is important – plus which countries celebrate it. Why Do We Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an annual federal holiday in the United States Even now, Hiroshima is one of the only cities outside North America to honor Martin Luther King Day, thanks in large part to former Hiroshima Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba, who often used King's words in his speeches to better articulate the argument for nuclear disarmament. Coming of Age Day in Japan is a celebration not many know is linked to the legacy of Martin Luther King. Hiroshima’s ex-mayor, Tadatoshi Akiba, was an ally and admirer of MLK and hosted an annual banquet on his birthday until his term ended in 2011. Celebrated across the globe On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the Lincoln Memorial's steps and gave a speech that would be remembered for years to come. The 'I Have a Dream' speech became a symbol for the fight for equal rights. King wasn't just asking for people to be treated the same, no matter In New Hampshire: "Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Day". [30] In Virginia: it was known as Lee–Jackson–King Day, combining King's birthday with the established Lee–Jackson Day. [31] In 2000, Lee–Jackson Day was moved to the Friday before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday in its own DYK that MLK day is also celebrated in Hiroshima, Japan? The mayor holds a dinner at the mayor’s office to celebrate the city’s calls for peace with Dr. “We must see that peace represents a sweeter music, a cosmic melody, that is far superior to the discords of war.” – Martin Luther KingHiroshima, Japan is on martin luther king jr was mlk day parade dc Martin Luther King Jr. (born Michael King Jr.; January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American Baptist minister, activist, and political philosopher who was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968.
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