Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday | The American Presidency Project

Category: History

Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, leading to efforts to establish a national holiday in his honor. Despite initial resistance, public support grew, particularly after President Carter's endorsement in 1979 and musician Stevie Wonder's advocacy. The MLK holiday legislation eventually passed under President Reagan in 1983, despite his preference for a less formal recognition. The political dynamics surrounding the holiday reflect broader trends in Black American voting patterns and presidential acknowledgment of civil rights leaders.

Keywords: Martin Luther King Jr., MLK Holiday, Civil Rights

Source: The American Presidency Project

Update At: 1/20/2025

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