Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King’s birthday, January 15. The floating holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, though the act predated the establishment of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by 15 years.

Did you know..?

• Was originally created by Harris Wofford and John Lewis to create a day of citizen action volunteer service in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• President Ronald Reagan opposed the holiday, but signed the bill creating the federal holiday November 2, 1983.
• It was observed for the first time on January 20, 1986.
• For the first time in 2000 it was officially observed in all 50 states.
• Was known as “Human Rights Day” in Utah until 2000.
• Is still shared with Robert E. Lee’s birthday celebration in Mississippi.
• It is celebrated outside the USA in one country: Japan.