Dr. Martin Luther King
(January 15, 1929 to April 4, 1968)
As a pastor, passionate activist and prominent leader in American Civil Rights, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a key figure in American history. Today’s holiday, the 3rd Monday of January, is in honor of MLKs birthdate of January 15th. It is one of just 3 federal holidays honoring an individual.
Although efforts to create the holiday began soon after his assassination, differing political views kept the holiday from becoming an official celebration until it was signed into law by Ronald Reagan in 1983. In Arizona, the holiday is called Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Day and it became official in 2000.
There are many celebrations and service opportunities inspired by Dr. King’s example of public service. Some local events are listed below:
Mesa’s Martin Luther King Parade
Downtown Mesa
11am
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival & March
Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee
Route start: 9am, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 East Jefferson
Festival start: 10am, Margaret T. Hance Deck Park, Third Street & Moreland
They had a Dream Too: Young Leaders of the Civil Rights Movement Forum
Kenilworth Elementary School with Phoenix Union High School Students
1210 N 5th Ave, Phoenix
(January 15, 1929 to April 4, 1968)
As a pastor, passionate activist and prominent leader in American Civil Rights, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a key figure in American history. Today’s holiday, the 3rd Monday of January, is in honor of MLKs birthdate of January 15th. It is one of just 3 federal holidays honoring an individual.
Although efforts to create the holiday began soon after his assassination, differing political views kept the holiday from becoming an official celebration until it was signed into law by Ronald Reagan in 1983. In Arizona, the holiday is called Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Day and it became official in 2000.
There are many celebrations and service opportunities inspired by Dr. King’s example of public service. Some local events are listed below:
Mesa’s Martin Luther King Parade
Downtown Mesa
11am
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival & March
Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee
Route start: 9am, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 East Jefferson
Festival start: 10am, Margaret T. Hance Deck Park, Third Street & Moreland
They had a Dream Too: Young Leaders of the Civil Rights Movement Forum
Kenilworth Elementary School with Phoenix Union High School Students
1210 N 5th Ave, Phoenix
HandsOn Greater Phoenix Food Drive
For St. Mary’s Food Bank
10:30-11:30am
Phoenix Youth at Risk
1001 E Pierce St, Phoenix
602-973-2212
