Today, the United States celebrates Martin Luther King Day on the third Monday of January each year. The day is a federal holiday that commemorates the civil rights leader and his work to advance racial equality. To commemorate MLK Day, many people take part in volunteer activities or special events that promote the values of justice, peace, and service.
Martin Luther King Jr. was born in 1929 in Georgia into a Christian family. His grandfather was a church pastor, his father became a pastor, and then he became a pastor.
“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
–Martin Luther King Jr. (1929–68)
Graduating from high school at the age of 15, Martin Luther King went on to receive his B. A. degree in 1948 from Morehouse College. After 3 years of theological study at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, he was elected president of a predominantly white senior class and awarded the B.D. in 1951. After winning a fellowship at Crozer, he enrolled in graduate studies at Boston University, completing his residence for the doctorate in 1953 and receiving the degree in 1955. In Boston he met and married Coretta Scott, and they started a family.
In 1954, Martin Luther King Jr. had become pastor of a church in Montgomery, Alabama. Always a strong worker for civil rights, King believed in nonviolence, following Gandhi’s philosophy.
“Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.”
–Martin Luther King Jr. (1929–68)
The Fight Against Segregation
In 1955, he began his struggle to persuade the U.S. government to declare the policy of racial discrimination unlawful. He led the first large nonviolent demonstration against segregated buses. However, racists responded with violence to his nonviolent initiative.
“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.”
–Martin Luther King Jr. (1929–68)
One of the most popular ways to celebrate MLK Day is through marches and parades. During these events, civil rights leaders and politicians often give speeches that honor the legacy of Dr. King. Other meaningful activities include reading books together, watching videos, volunteering, sharing dreams with others, and participating in local community events.
Americans are often encouraged to observe this day not simply as a day off from work, but also as a “Day of Service” to others through appropriate civic, community, and service projects. Think of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an opportunity to give to others in any way you can—whether it’s a community project or simply being kind to others in your community.
