Martin Luther King Jr. day  also known as MLK day is a federal holiday in the United States. This means that it is a calendar day recognized and designated by the government. Martin Luther King Jr. day lands on the third Monday of January every single year. This is a special day that celebrates the great achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. as a civil rights leader who yet still inspires people after great accomplishments. He was very influential and most known for his campaigns for racial equality. His legacy still inspires generations even after his assassination in 1968 after multiple peaceful protests.

Martin Luther King Jr. had many accomplishments throughout his life like leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott, being the first president of the SCLC, leading the Birmingham Campaign, organizing the great march in Washington, and much more. Most importantly MLK is most known for his speech, “I Have a Dream” during the march in Washington. This famous speech was given on August 28, 1963 to gain racial equality. MLK stood in front of 250,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial as he delivered his speech in person. This speech was also televised to millions.

Martin Luther King Jr. faced many obstacles throughout his life trying to gain racial equality for everyone. MLK went to jail 29 times and was arrested for his acts of disobedience trying to gain racial equality. He would often hold protests because of the treatment of African Americans which caused him to be arrested many times. For example, MLK protested the treatment of African Americans in Birmingham, Alabama which was one of the incidents which led him to jail. Martin Luther King Jr. led many protests and he believed that nonviolence was the most effective form of protest. However Martin Luther King Jr. was violently threatened multiple times during his lifetime for his protests. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968 by James Earl Ray. MLK was standing on a balcony in Memphis when suddenly he was shot. He was declared dead shortly after. Martin Luther King Jr. Day will always be remembered, and his legacy will live on to inspire further generations around the world.