Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man and civil rights leader who dedicated his life to fighting for rights and equality for all Americans . He is remembered for his many speeches, including “I Have a Dream” which he delivered in Washington D.C. during the March on Washington in 1963 .
He was a Baptist minister and activist who led the African-American Civil Rights Movement in America during the 1950s and 1960s. His birthday, January 15th is celebrated as across the United States of America to honor his legacy.
MLK's Early Life
Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta to a middle-class family. His father had three children from his first marriage and adopted another daughter as well as Martin’s mother after she married her husband. He became the pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1947 and went on to become president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957.
King's views on equality were shaped by his experience as a child. He was born into a segregated society and experienced racism firsthand. His family was also very religious and taught him to stand up for what he believed in. These early life experiences helped King become one of the most influential civil rights leaders in history.
He is best known for his speeches advocating for racial equality, such as "I Have a Dream," which he delivered at the March on Washington in 1963. The speech is recognized as one of the greatest orations in American history. King was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his work towards ending segregation and discrimination.
Sadly, King was assassinated on April 1968 in Memphis. His death led to the expansion of his ideals by other civil rights leaders such as Jesse Jackson and more violent protests across America. King's legacy lives on today, through the work of many different organizations dedicated to social justice all over the world.
Traditions
MLK Day is a time for everyone to remember Martin Luther King Jr.'s role in bringing Americans together during one of our country's darkest times.
In the years since his death, King's memory has been honored all over America. His birthday is a federal holiday and many events are held in his honor each year as well as displays of quotes from him on banners across cities as a longstanding tradition.
On this day Americans are encouraged to volunteer their time at a soup kitchen or food pantry, visit with friends or family members they have not seen for awhile, take care of themselves by doing something nice for themselves like taking a walk or reading a book, learn about someone new through reading that person’s autobiography or watching documentaries on them, remember those less fortunate than us by donating clothes we no longer wear to a charity, giving blood at an American Red Cross center or donate money to one of the many charities that are out there.
Another way Americans celebrate this national day is through service projects and volunteer opportunities. For example, Habitat for Humanity builds homes in America with families who may not have been able to purchase their own home otherwise. Volunteers work together on building sites all over the world helping people realize they can build better lives by themselves when given proper tools and resources needed to do so.
Happy MLK Day! Thank you for celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.! Let's continue working together to make his dream of equality for all a reality. #MLKDay2018 #MartinLutherKingJr #civilrightsleader #activist #nonviolenceactivism #NobelPeacePrize