Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader who was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King's honor began soon after his assassination in 1968.
As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. King today, please find resources to help you celebrate his life and continue Dr. King’s work, including Covid-friendly options for community service and ways to continue the conversation around social justice.
Learn
Expand your knowledge of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's life and legacy.
- New York Times resource hub
- Nobel Prize Biography
- Follow Bernice King, Dr. King’s daughter, on Twitter
Speeches: Listen and read Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s most memorable speeches
Act
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a dedicated day of service and we encourage fans to give back to their communities in a safe way.
Advocate
Inspire others to connect and continue to keep Dr. King’s legacy alive.
- “Do’s and Don’t’s of Celebrating MLK Day” from Teaching Tolerance
- Share a message on social media, MLK Day Social Graphics from AmeriCorps
