On the third Monday of January every year, the US celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. day to honor the memory of this important freedom fighter during the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Above is Dr. King speaking to the people during the March on Washington when he gave his famous “I have a dream” speech.
Dr. King was a political activist who supported equality for everyone regardless of color, gender, or nationality. He led African-Americans in their fight for freedom at a time when the country was suffering from intense hatred between the white population and the African-Americans, especially in the south.
To work toward ending racial segregation and discrimination, Dr. King at times put his life in danger and was even imprisoned during a march in Birmingham, Alabama. This man was an advocate for all people who suffered inequalities and discrimination, including women and immigrant groups. Dr. King fought hard until the end of his life when he was assassinated in 1968.
To honor the life and legacy of this important freedom fighter, a movement started to make Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a holiday after he died. After a bill was introduced in congress, it gained support in 1976. The bill became law in 1983, and in 2000 this holiday was finally observed in all 50 states.
For more information about Martin Luther King, Jr. and this holiday, please visit this site: http://www.thekingcenter.org/king-holiday.
Photo Credits in order of appearance
- andreakrobson.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/the-new-civil-rights-movement-a-new-generation-begins-the-fight-for-civil-rights/
- www.crmvet.org/crmpics/mlk-jail-a.jpg
- www.bu.edu/today/2012/celebrating-mlk-day-at-bu/