When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day? The federal government shuts down on the third Monday of every January for the day to honor Martin Luther King Jr.. This year, that day is Jan. 20. The holiday Martin Luther King Jr., Day, in the United States, holiday (third Monday in January) honoring the achievements of the civil-rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. Established as a federal holiday in 1983, it is usually celebrated with marches and parades and with speeches by civil rights and political leaders. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., [1] and often referred to shorthand as MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the third Monday of January each year. 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. The annual day of remembrance for Martin Luther King Jr. is less than two weeks away, falling on Monday, Jan. 20, the same day as Inauguration Day this year. Here’s what to know about Martin In the United States, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is observed annually on the third Monday in January. The day commemorates the life and work of Dr. King, who was a Baptist minister and prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. People are encouraged to use the day to “reflect on the principles of racial equality and nonviolent Martin Luther King Jr. Day is approaching quickly – Monday, Jan. 15 — and this year, the federal holiday falls on the actual birthday of the celebrated civil rights leader who was assassinated Learn about the origin, significance and celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national day of service and a tribute to the civil rights leader. Explore stories, videos and resources from PBS about Dr. King's life, legacy and speeches. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Georgia . NPS Photo. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a tireless advocate for racial equality, working classes, and the oppressed around the world. Commonly called Martin Luther King, Jr. Day or MLK Day, the third Monday of January is a federal holiday to honor his life and legacy. Learn about the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., a social activist and Baptist minister who led the American civil rights movement and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Find out how his birthday is celebrated as a U.S. federal holiday every year. Monday, January 20, commemorates the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. This year, the holiday coincides with President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, though the majority of Trump's inauguration is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.This also happens to fall on Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year. What is a presidential inauguration? 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. Every third Monday of January, the United States observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday to honor the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Here's what's open and closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025. Retail and grocery Major US retailers and grocers — such as Target, Walmart and Kroger — will be open on MLK Day. Martin Luther King Jr. was a social activist and Baptist minister who played a key role in the American Civil Rights Movement until his assassination in 1968. Martin Luther King Day was first President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House is Monday. This year, his inauguration falls on the same day as the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The inauguration is Martin Luther King Jr. Day is just around the corner, bringing with it closures and adjusted hours for schools, stores and more across Bucks County. This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be recognized on Monday, Jan. 20. Why is MLK Day on the 20th? This year, the holiday coincides with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a visionary leader and advocate for equality who spearheaded the civil rights movement in America through nonviolent protests, inspiring lasting change and leaving an enduring legacy.
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