January 9, 2026
Each year, on the third Monday of January, we honor civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. This January 19, we celebrate his legacy, courage, and enduring commitment to equality and justice.
The idea for a national holiday began with labor unions, and after Dr. King’s assassination, U.S. Representative John Conyers and Senator Edward Brooke introduced legislation to honor his birthday. The holiday was first observed on January 20, 1986.
Dr. King’s vision and impact continue to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of fairness, compassion, and the pursuit of justice throughout our society.