Martin Luther King Jr. Day

When it comes to making a federal holiday, some take longer than others. Martin Luther King Jr. Day took 15 years to create.

A Democrat from Michigan, Congressman John Conyers first introduced legislation to make Martin Luther King Jr Day a commemorative holiday four days after King was assassinated in 1968. The bill stalled and petitions containing six million names were submitted to Congress.

In 1980 Stevie Wonder released “Happy Birthday” to popularize the campaign to make Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday a national holiday.

In 1981 Stevie Wonder hosted the Rally for Peace Press Conference, six million signatures helped petition Congress to pass the law.

Conyers and Rep. Democrat Shirley Chisholm of New York resubmitted the King holiday legislation at each session. Public pressure mounted during 1982 and 1983 civil right marches in Washington. Congress passed the bill in 1983, and was signed by President Ronald Reagan. It was decided not to have the holiday on King’s birthday, January 15, as it was considered too close to Christmas and New Year’s, so it was moved to the 3rd Monday in January.

Not every state wanted a Martin Luther King Jr Day, so some resisted, stating that there shouldn’t be just one person having their own holiday but the entire civil rights (MLK) movement should be honored. Several southern states hold celebrations for different Confederate generals on that day.

In 1973, Illinois was the first state to adopt MLK Day.

In 1986, MLK became a federal holiday and goes into effect.

In 1987, new Arizona governor rescinds MLK Day, starting a state boycott.

In 1989 MLK state holiday is adopted in 44 states.

In 1991, the NFL moves the 1993 Superbowl site from Phoenix, Arizona to Pasadena, California because of the MLK Day boycott.

In 1992 Arizona voters reapprove the holiday after a tourist boycott.

In 1993, MLK for the first time is held in some manner, sometimes as a different name, but not always a paid state holiday in all fifty states.

In 1999, New Hampshire, the last state to adopt MLK Day as a paid holiday, replaced Civil Rights Day.

In 2000, Utah became the last state to recognize MLK Day, replacing its Human Rights Day state holiday.

South Carolina became the last state to make MLK Day a paid holiday for all state employees, till now employees could celebrate it or one of three Confederate-related holidays.

When it comes to making a federal holiday, some take longer than others. Martin Luther King Jr. Day took 15 years to create.

A Democrat from Michigan, Congressman John Conyers first introduced legislation to make Martin Luther King Jr Day a commemorative holiday four days after King was assassinated in 1968. The bill stalled and petitions containing six million names were submitted to Congress.

In 1980 Stevie Wonder released “Happy Birthday” to popularize the campaign to make Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday a national holiday.

In 1981 Stevie Wonder hosted the Rally for Peace Press Conference, six million signatures helped petition Congress to pass the law.

Conyers and Rep. Democrat Shirley Chisholm of New York resubmitted the King holiday legislation at each session. Public pressure mounted during 1982 and 1983 civil right marches in Washington. Congress passed the bill in 1983, and was signed by President Ronald Reagan. It was decided not to have the holiday on King’s birthday, January 15, as it was considered too close to Christmas and New Year’s, so it was moved to the 3rd Monday in January.

Not every state wanted a Martin Luther King Jr Day, so some resisted, stating that there shouldn’t be just one person having their own holiday but the entire civil rights (MLK) movement should be honored. Several southern states hold celebrations for different Confederate generals on that day.

In 1973, Illinois was the first state to adopt MLK Day.

In 1986, MLK became a federal holiday and goes into effect.

In 1987, new Arizona governor rescinds MLK Day, starting a state boycott.

In 1989 MLK state holiday is adopted in 44 states.

In 1991, the NFL moves the 1993 Superbowl site from Phoenix, Arizona to Pasadena, California because of the MLK Day boycott.

In 1992 Arizona voters reapprove the holiday after a tourist boycott.

In 1993, MLK for the first time is held in some manner, sometimes as a different name, but not always a paid state holiday in all fifty states.

In 1999, New Hampshire, the last state to adopt MLK Day as a paid holiday, replaced Civil Rights Day.

In 2000, Utah became the last state to recognize MLK Day, replacing its Human Rights Day state holiday.

South Carolina became the last state to make MLK Day a paid holiday for all state employees, till now employees could celebrate it or one of three Confederate-related holidays.