A federal holiday honoring the achievements of Baptist minister and civil rights, Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was a prominent leader who advocated for nonviolent resistance against racial segregation and fought for American citizens civil rights.

“I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness.” 

Originally named Michael King Jr., born January 15^th, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia – Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership in the civil rights movement were fundamental in the enhancement of the nation. As head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, King’s organization of numerous massive nonviolent protests, such as the March on Washington, led way to his award of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

From the mid 1950’s, until his tragic assassination in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4^th, 1968, King’s efforts were triumphant in eliminating legal segregation of African Americans in the South and other parts of the United States.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

The petition for Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) to become a holiday collected six million signatures, considered the largest petition to Congress in favor of an issue in U.S. history. On November 2^nd in 1983, Ronald Reagan signed a bill to create a federal holiday honoring King. The holiday was officially observed for the first time on January 20^th, 1986. Following the guidelines of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act , MLK Day is celebrated every third Monday of January rather than directly on his birthday.  

Every year, Central Florida celebrates this prestigious day in a variety of ways including The City of Orlando’s 39^th Annual MLK Parade, this Saturday January 14^th at10:00am – downtown Orlando.

For more events celebrating MLK Day please select the link below:

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/events/os-et-martin-luther-king-day-orlando-things-to-do-2023-20230111-vnqxkoxehfdlvijc53mcuas3jy-story.html