Washington, United States
News Desk | National Affairs
MLK Day is being observed across the United States on Monday with public ceremonies, community service projects, and educational programs honoring the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., according to federal and local officials. The federal holiday, held annually on the third Monday of January, marks King’s contributions to racial equality, social justice, and nonviolent activism.
MLK Day commemorates the birthday of King, who was born on January 15, 1929, and became a central figure in the American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. He led campaigns against segregation and discrimination and delivered the landmark “I Have a Dream” speech at the 1963 March on Washington.
Signed into law in 1983, MLK Day was first observed nationally in 1986. It is now recognized in all 50 states, with federal offices closed and many schools and businesses suspending regular operations in observance of the holiday.
In Washington, official MLK Day events took place at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, while cities nationwide hosted marches, lectures, and cultural programs reflecting on civil rights history. Organizers said many gatherings also addressed current issues related to voting access, economic inequality, and racial justice.
MLK Day is also designated as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service. Government agencies and nonprofit groups reported widespread participation in volunteer efforts, including food distribution, community cleanups, and educational outreach programs.
Educators and civic leaders emphasized that MLK Day is intended not only as a remembrance but as an opportunity for public engagement and service aligned with King’s principles of equality and nonviolence.
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