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Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and it celebrates the birthday of the most famous civil rights leader in American history.

If you took at least one American history class in school, you’re probably aware of the basics of his legacy. From the Selma March, to the “Letter from the Birmingham Jail,” King was at the forefront of some of the most memorable moments of the civil rights movement. But undoubtedly the most powerful moment was the famous “I Have a Dream” speech from the 1963 March on Washington.

As the most prominent leader in the civil rights movement, King’s legacy ranges far and wide. Since his death, King’s name has become a touchstone for all the values that Americans hold most dear, such as unity and equality.

While his legacy is not in doubt, the MLK Day holiday itself has a long and often contentious history, with many states combining the King celebration with other days or refusing to celebrate it altogether. The holiday was first proposed in 1968, a mere four days after King was assassinated; Ronald Reagan signed a bill making the day a federal holiday in 1983 and Utah was the last state to recognize the day on a state level in 2000. In between there was plenty of controversy.

Did You Know?

The holiday once caused Arizona to miss out on the Super Bowl.

It’s true. In 1993, Phoenix was scheduled to play host to Super Bowl XXVII. Arizona, however, was embroiled in a controversy whereby the voters of the state could directly vote on two different propositions which would make MLK Day a paid state holiday.

The NFL had publicly threatened to move the Super Bowl if either measure was not passed. In November 1992, Arizona voters rejected both propositions and the game was moved to Pasadena, California to be played in the Rose Bowl.

The Cowboys crushed the Bills 52-17.

King Day of Service

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?” – King

It’s a powerful quote and it is no surprise that King’s legacy of service has inspired many others to take up the mantle. In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed the King Holiday and Service Act which encourages Americans to participate in an act of service.

MLK Day is one of two official national days of service as designated by the government (the other is September 11). Many organizations, civic groups, churches and schools sponsor extensive volunteer efforts of various stripes. Food drives, soup kitchens for the homeless, cleaning and beautification projects, entertaining seniors – all are great examples of the kinds of volunteer efforts that many people participate in on this day.

As a young Pumphead (before I had my Inspector’s license), I myself participated in several MLK Days of service. I sang for seniors, I cleaned a park, I packed food at a food bank for hungry families. These were extremely edifying experiences, ones that influenced me greatly.

I strongly encourage everyone to get out there and volunteer for a good cause in your community. As the saying goes, “make it a day ON, not a day off.”

Did You Know? Part 2

In Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas, MLK Day is celebrated in conjunction with Robert E. Lee’s birthday.