Why do we celebrate mlk day in january

A second battle took place to get individual states to also recognize the holiday, with often emotional disagreements in two states. Today, the King holiday serves multiple purposes: It honors the total legacy of King; focuses on the issue of civil rights; highlights the use of nonviolence to promote change; and calls people into public service. The struggle to get the holiday recognized reflects all these topics, along with some interesting twists and turns along the way.

The bill needed a two-thirds majority to pass, but it fell five votes short with a count , despite a strong organizational effort from the King Center, and support from Congress members and President Jimmy Carter. He would later sing it at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial dedication in The King Center kept up its efforts. Additionally, it gave the U. Televised violence in February of that year resulted in the death of Jimmie Lee Jackson. Throughout the next month, marchers continued between Selma and Montgomery.

Congress passed the Voting Rights Act in August of that year. Author, speaker, father, theologian, activist. Schools hold programs or teach curricula engaging students in Civil Rights history and lessons throughout the week. Learn more about the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. A petition only needs signatures in order to be searchable within the White House database.

To cross the second threshold and require a response, a petition must reach , signatures within 30 days. The demonstration was attended by more than , people. But at some point, King pauses. Led by Martin Luther King, Jr. These events became a landmark in the American civil rights movements and directly led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of Take the time to learn more about MLK in depth. Read his works as well as those of his family to learn more about this remarkable man and the stories as he told them.

Make Martin Luther King, Jr. Day more than just a day off. Take time to both understand and support civil rights and the issues facing communities of color. MLK and his contemporaries did a lot for the advancement of civil rights, but there is still much to be done. Creating dialogue and having discussions about racial injustice is important. Through conversation we educate each other, share experiences, and work to create a brighter future.

The civil rights leader was given the name Michael King Jr at birth — later, his father changed his own name as well as of his son to Martin Luther, after the Protestant Reformation leader. Longevity has its place. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.

The words, leadership, time, and energy King devoted to civil rights helped end segregation in the United States and worked to eliminate unfair practices throughout the nation that negatively affected the Black community. He helped organize rallies, gave speeches across the country, and mobilized thousands of people to help end racial injustice.

MLK inspired millions of people in his lifetime and continues to inspire us to this day. Across the globe, activists look to King for inspiration and courage. Modern movements for racial equality and justice, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, are extensions of the work that he started. King's tactics and manner of protest were largely that of civil disobedience, including sit-ins, marches, and disregard for unjust laws. Many of us follow his example today when protesting and adopt the tactic of civil disobedience.

We keep track of fun holidays and special moments on the cultural calendar — giving you exciting activities, deals, local events, brand promotions, and other exciting ways to celebrate. Holiday survey data is powered by TOP Agency. Skip to content View the calendar. King was alive. Ask them these open-ended questions to facilitate a deeper understanding:. If your children are younger, have the conversation and ask them to draw pictures about how it would make them feel to be treated in this way.

In both instances, encourage your children to explain why the world is a better place because of Dr. Remind kids that Dr.

King worked hard and was willing to give of himself to benefit a cause. You can choose a specific cause that interests your kids and give back together. If your kids are serious animal lovers and want to protect their furry friends, consider contacting your local ASPCA to lend a hand at a shelter. Get more inspiration of ways to serve by visiting the AmeriCorps MLK Day of Service website and searching for volunteer opportunities in your community.

During the Civil Rights Movement, an entire generation learned the importance of getting an education to eradicate systemic racism, explains Dr. Hrabwoski concludes with an exciting thought: "Initiatives such as the Children's Crusade empowered young people to believe they had a role to play in solving the challenges of racism in our society.

Today's generation of children and young people are fighting to be heard. King's teachings, educate children on racial injustice, and remind parents to listen to the voices of young people. Day: How to Explain the Holiday to Kids. Save Pin FB More. A collage of images of Martin Luther King Jr.

Credit: Getty Images 3. Art: Jillian Sellers. Here are a few famous quotes from Dr. King to recite and talk about with children:. Indeed, it is a weapon unique in history, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it.