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Martin Luther King Jr. Day

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A peaceful Martin Luther King Day march in Eugene, Oregon, celebrating equality and civil rights.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a special holiday in the United States. It happens on the third Monday of January every year. This day helps us remember Martin Luther King Jr., a kind leader who worked to make sure all people were treated fairly and with respect.

Martin Luther King Jr. was born in 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He believed in using peaceful ways to help people get along better. Many people think of his famous message of peace and equality.

The holiday started after Martin Luther King Jr. passed away. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan made it an official holiday. People first celebrated it in 1986. Now, every state in the United States observes this day. Some places have special events, like marches or community service, to honor his memory.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is also a time for people to help their communities. Many schools and offices give everyone the day off, so families can spend time together and learn more about his important message of peace.

Images

Portrait of Martin Luther King, Jr., a famous civil rights leader, taken in 1964.
A flag symbolizing Black American heritage, created in 1967.
President Ronald Reagan signs legislation to establish a national holiday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., surrounded by key political figures and Coretta Scott King in the Rose Garden, 1983.
Historical leaders including Martin Luther King Sr. and Jimmy Carter holding hands during a service at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta in 1979.
President Bill Clinton joins hands with Dexter King and Coretta Scott King during a service honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
President Joe Biden, Senator Raphael Warnock, and Keisha Lance Bottoms attend a worship service honoring Martin Luther King Jr. at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.
Logo for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, celebrating community and equality.
President Barack Obama helps serve lunch at a community soup kitchen in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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