I’ve posted several holidays, and from the Canadian view. We don’t have another holiday until Easter, although we do celebrate Valentine’s Day. So I’m giving the Americans equal time with their special days, from a Canadian’s perspective. The next one, on Monday, January 20th is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. So back I went to Wikipedia to find out the information.
Martin Luther King, Jr was born Michael King, January 15, 1929. His father changed his name in honor of the German reformer, Martin Luther. Martin Luther King was an American Baptist minister, activist and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He’s best known for the advancement of civil rights. Based on his beliefs as a Christian minister he promoted nonviolent civil disobedience. He died April 4th, 1968.
Martin Luther King, Jr Day is held the third Monday of January each year, around his birthday.
The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began shortly after his assassination. President Reagan signed it into law in 1983 and it was first observed in 1986. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.
Faith
is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Comments welcome - and Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day everyone.
Thanks for the post, Beverley. Martin Luther King fought for rights that should have belonged to everyone, but just like the women in our country black people had to fight for theirs. It was a disgrace all of us didn't have those rights to begin with.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right Sandy. And as women, we're still fighting for those rights.
DeleteSadly not all schools give time off for this holiday. We are still very separate on the holiday.
ReplyDeleteIt's not that different in Canada. The Federal gov't gets the actual day off while business may not. (but usually the schools do)
DeleteGreat post. I never knew he changed his name.
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrea. Glad I could share something new.
DeleteA good heads up! I was teaching school near Boston, Mass when he was shot. The Catholic school where I taught sent the kids home early, and we instructed them to go straight home because they feared our kids might become involved in riots in neighboring areas if they waited or lingered.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary. That's another interesting and personal experience about the time.
ReplyDelete