Martin Luther King Jr. Day History

Martin Luther King Jr. significantly shaped the history of American society and culture, and there is no doubt that a day to honor him is deserved. His birthday was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1983. However, the continuity of his mission and the recognition of his work has not always been deemed necessary. Living in the twenty-first century, it is easy to take for granted the gains in equality and widespread anti-prejudice social standards that we have gained since the Civil Rights era. However, we have the education and ability to honor its history. Without it, young people could not learn to be active citizens who can distinguish justice from injustice. 

Michigan congressman John Conyers introduced the bill creating a holiday for King Jr. in 1968. However, he was faced with limited support from Congress. Conyers took the initiative to fight for the bill every year until it finally got approved. Even after a petition with 300,000 signatures, including Clinton's approval, the bill was still rejected by five votes. Jesse Helms, senator from North Carolina, went as far as to claim that King Jr. was a communist sympathizer. Coretta Scott King played a significant role in advocating for her late husband’s honor, and Stevie Wonder even dedicated a song, “Happy Birthday” to King Jr. Public support for federal recognition outweighed congressional support and in 1983, the bill was finally passed. 

The road to receiving federal recognition for King Jr.’s work was turbulent. As people of the twenty-first century, we are obligated to reflect upon his mission. Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for basic human rights through peaceful protest and we can continue his mission by honoring him. Whether it is through volunteer work, peaceful protests, or simply reflection, one can not only learn but fight. King Jr. paved the road for equality, and we must finish his work.