Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, an official day of service and a day that celebrates the civil rights leader’s life and legacy. MLK day is a federal holder that is observed on the 3^rd Monday in January, as it generally falls around Dr. King’s birthday – which is January 15^th.

The idea for making MLK a federal holiday, was originally proposed by congress soon after his assassination, as a way to commemorate all of the things he accomplished. It wasn’t until 1983, that President Ronald Reagan, made MLK day a federal holiday. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of only three federal holidays to celebrate a citizen that never held public office, with the others being George Washington and Christopher Columbus.

While most of us associate MLK Day with a day off from school or even a day off of work, it is important to remember what the day is about. Remember that Dr. King helped advanced civil rights for people of color and was one of the most prominent leaders of the civil rights movement.

Click here to learn more about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.