Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday of January each year is a federal holiday that honors a highly influential figure in American history, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The following article touches on different areas surrounding this important holiday.
- The day is observed as "a day on, not a day off" and focuses on volunteering in communities to uphold Dr King’s vision of liberty and justice for all.
- The path to becoming a national holiday faced many challenges and faced some resistance during the process.
- Despite these challenges all states officially recognize the holiday 17 years after President Reagan signed into law.
- Dr King promoted the concept of a "beloved community" which was adopted from earlier philosophers to emphasize all of humanity and justice.
- This vision continues to resonate for all forms of inequality. With new generations using those principals to bring change throughout many communities across the globe.
- While not a "day off," the government offices will be closed, stock markets and schools may not be in session allowing everyone to find a way to commemorate the day for progress.
A Day of Service and Reflection
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than just a day off. It has also become the National Day of Service after 1994. It encourages community involvement through volunteer programs which embody King’s commitment to social justice, nonviolent protesting and civil liberties. People also have opportunities to understand King through books and other written materials from a scholarly approach.
The Path to a National Holiday
The journey towards establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday was complex. Representative John Conyers proposed it shortly after King's assassination but it wasn't till 1983 when it got fully approved with resistance coming from some political areas citing that public holidays do not apply to private citizens. This path to getting established was ultimately aided by social, political and cultural pressure from those desiring progress.
Overcoming Opposition
For several years, many people used opposition against the concept of a holiday. This involved labeling him as a communist or just dismissing that his legacy was not worth celebrating. It wasn't until 2000 did South Carolina became the last state to adopt it as an official holiday, making it finally accepted. The state of Arizona even had a full state battle to retain the holiday. They rescinded the executive order only for voter support to win back their day for recognition. This became a battle ground where large organizations were also at stake including athletic programs such as the Super Bowl being held there.
The Concept of the Beloved Community
The idea of a beloved community was very influential in the works and beliefs of Dr. King. Rooted in Christian philosophy and other writings his idea was a space for acceptance for all and equality among humankind. It was first thought of from other philosophical writings and is seen today as not just a belief system but also action from his practices and many others who are passionate for this cause.
Origins and Influence
This concept initially came from philosopher Josiah Royce. It was later used by Howard Thurman and popularized through Dr. King's actions. It speaks on acceptance across a multitude of diversity points. The core belief to that idea being that the beloved community starts in the hearts of those and their personal values which when combined create lasting change.
How the Legacy Is Continued Today
Today, multiple organizations like AmeriCorps are supporting thousands of community projects which shows that Dr. King’s spirit continues to ignite action for change within groups today. Many cities will hold public celebrations and various gatherings during this time as well including music and public speaking moments.
The Spirit of Nonviolence and Continued Education
Dr. Kings vision calls upon all to embrace the spirit of nonviolence through daily practice. The public is asked to reflect and educate themselves by exploring King's literature like "Letter from the Birmingham Jail". By engaging with his words one has the ability to understand and connect with Dr. King’s vision for positive community progress.
Dr. King's Impact on a Local Scale
Cities and Towns continue the spirit of what this day represents and this year one show has honored Dr. King by releasing a Detroit based film titled "King Blvd." . This shows another example of how a message that originally started on a small scale can impact society as a whole. This locally based film uses the name that has been created over time from historical context and allows new dialog with their view into it.
A Local View of a Global Message
The film highlights how the perceptions are that those communities are "not the best" as the message is put across through humorous characters who aspire to do better. Actor Dez Cortez Crenshaw also believes that Dr King would understand it is a step in the right direction to better those very places that bare his name.
Government and Business Impact
Dr. Martin Luther King Day will affect businesses and financial institutions across the country due to its national recognition. Government offices are closed and the stock markets and postal services are closed (except for priority packages) for the federal holiday.
Grocery Stores and Restaurants
Most restaurants will continue to operate during their normal hours although it is advised that the local hours be checked prior to making plans. It is stated that a majority of grocery store chains will remain open in their normal operating hours as well.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an annual federal holiday with observances that focus on service and a commitment to equality for all.
- The holiday is a symbol of both his work and his vision for freedom and unity in a divided world and overcoming barriers.
- The establishment of this day took almost 20 years to achieve full status of federal recognition due to strong pushback.
- His principals have been applied all over and continues to be embraced through public awareness and educational focus.
- It’s observed by closing government offices and some businesses.
- Volunteering, community clean ups, or other ways of being of service and taking action help reflect upon Dr King’s legacy.