by Janet Dunn

Created on: January 03, 2010

It was his dream, and the peaceful approach he demonstrated for social justice would lead Martin Luther King Jr. to fight for equality for all.  For his endeavors a federal holiday was established in his honor.

Born on January 15, 1929 he was named Michael Luther King Jr., he later changed his name to Martin.  He came from a family of Baptist Ministers and he followed in their footsteps.  He not only learned about the political aspects of the day from his father but he was also taught the importance of religion and the faith needed to carry him throughout his life. These teachings instilled in him the importance of love and equal rights for everyone. In 1954 he pastored Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama before serving as an assistant minister in 1960 at his father’s church, the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.  He held that position until his death.

The idea of a federal holiday in his name was first introduced into legislation just days after his death on April 4th, 1968.  It was a long and arduous struggle that began with John Conyers, a U.S. Representative and Shirley Chisholm also a U.S. Representative, who joined Mr. Conyers in 1970. This lasted for several years with lawmakers, entertainers and corporations joining in the effort before reaching a final approval of all fifty states in 1999.        

There was much opposition at first especially with the staggering 18 million dollar price tag of establishing a federal holiday; but also many people felt it was more deserving of others and their contributions. It was very rare for a federal holiday to be named after an individual.  Of the nine federal holidays at the time, three of them were named after people: Jesus Christ (Christmas), George Washington (first US President), and European explorer, Christopher Columbus for the discovery of America.  

Many opposed Martin Luther King Jr. because they felt his loyalty to the United States was not true and he was even accused of communistic ties. 

He knew that it was important for all people to be united equally in life.  He fought for the working class and was viewed as their union leader.  He was an astute man and his speeches were intuitive and enthralling. The words seemed to echo the precise thoughts of many who were silent for years.  His passion helped them find their voices.

He and his family suffered much from those who chose not to understand, but he did not let their actions keep him from seeking to help others.  And because of his non violent approach to achieve his dream of uniting all mankind in brotherly love, at the age of thirty five he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.  He was the youngest ever to receive this honor.

He was chosen as the head of the Civil Rights Movement following the historic arrest of Rosa Parks, a black woman, who refused to sit in the back of the bus in Montgomery, Alabama.  This event led him to head a 381 day boycott of the city bus transportation system; thus beginning many more civil rights movements that would change the course of human rights. It was his passion to see everyone as equals.

After his assassination on April 4th, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, it seemed that his dream had vanished; but instead it continues to be the guiding light for the rights of all.  

In his honor, the third Monday in January has been established as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a Federal Holiday in celebration of his dream of human equality.

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