(Jan. 17, 2011) Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday and also a national day of service, in honor of the black civil rights activist who was assassinated in 1968. The holiday is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King's birthday, Jan. 15.
Although legislation was signed in 1983 designating King's birthday as a federal holiday, it was not observed until 1986, making 2011 the 25th anniversary of MLK Day.
Congress then passed the King Holiday and Service Act in 1994, which established MLK Day as a day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort.
King was the chief spokesman 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. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed on Jan. 20, 1986.
Most government offices are closed today as are many schools and banks. Several observances are planned including service projects.
Read all about them in Recorder Community Newspapers and in their many blogs right here online.
Those interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers are invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out about this 21st century communication tool. Participation is free and simple; all you need is a computer (or other Internet access device) and an e-mail.
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