Martin Luther, King, Jr. Day

Martin Luther, King, Jr. was the first modern private citizen to be honored with a federal holiday. 

The first push for a holiday honoring King took place just four days after his assassination. John Conyers, then a Democratic Congressman from Michigan, took to the floor of Congress to request a federal holiday in King’s honor; however, the bill failed to pass.

Conyers did not give up, nor did countless other advocates. For 15 years the same bill was introduced each year, gathering co-sponsors along the way, and millions of signatures from citizens around the country. Finally, in 1983 the bill passed, and President Ronald Reagan immediately signed the legislation. As a nation we began celebrating Martin Luther, King, Jr. Day in 1986.

In 1994, Congress designated the day as “a day on, not a day off,”.  MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

Consider ways you can give back, both today and throughout the year. Our community is served by over 40 nonprofits, many of whom accept volunteers throughout the year. Reach out through our team at Human Services, or visit their site here: www.stoningtonnonprofits.org/home/member-organizations.

Also, many of our local Fire Departments and Ambulance services are looking for volunteers and would welcome your support. 

Giving back is not just good for the community, studies have also shown positive mental health benefits connected with volunteering and giving back. 

Today serves as an important reminder on the importance of giving back, and also to reflect on the core message of Martin Luther, King, Jr. and what it means for you and our community. Let us all take time out of our busy lives to consider the important lessons this great leader taught our country and how we can continue to take his work forward today- and everyday.