THE Reverend Martin Luther King Jr was the leader of the civil rights movement for more than a decade and remains an iconic figure in US history.
He was assassinated in 1968, but his legacy lives on and a holiday was created in his memory.
How did Martin Luther King Jr Day become a holiday?
MLK Jr Day was first recognized by President Ronald Reagan in 1983.
Following King's assassination on April 4, 1968, activists led the charge in making his birthday a national holiday to honor him.
Trade unions led the campaign for the federal holiday after the bill was first introduced and subsequently endorsed in 1976.
After musician Stevie Wonder came out with his single "Happy Birthday" in honor of King, a petition to make the holiday on the federal level garnered more than six million signatures.
The holiday was first observed in 1986 and became a federal holiday in 2000.
Does UPS work on MLK Jr Day?
UPS pickup and delivery services are available on January 18, 2021.
UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries will require one additional business day’s time in transit due to the federal holiday, according to the agency's website.
UPS store locations are open on the holiday.
What do people do on the holiday?
Dating back to just 2000, when it was first observed by all 50 states, MLK Jr Day is a relatively new federal holiday.
It is seen as a day to promote equal rights for all Americans, regardless of racial, gender, ethnic, religious, or other backgrounds.
Most workplaces and federal offices take the day off in his honor. In schools, many pupils are taught about the accomplishments King led in the United States.
In recent years, private organizations and federal legislation have encouraged Americans to volunteer their time on the day.
MLK Jr Day has become the most recognized day on the calendar for community service.
When is MLK Jr Day celebrated?
Martin Luther King Day is celebrated every year on the third Monday of January.
Dr King’s birthday is on January 15 so the holiday sometimes lands that day depending on the calendar. However, the latest date the holiday can be celebrated is January 21.
All federal employees are paid for working even if they receive the day off.
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