The 15 Year Battle for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Despite the national fervor inspired by his death, it took 15 years of persistence by civil rights activists for a holiday created in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to be approved by the federal government and an additional 17 years for it to be recognized in all 50 states.
The Struggle for Recognition
The bill to create a national holiday in King's honor was first introduced on April 8, 1968, just days after his assassination. However, it languished for years with limited congressional support. Democratic Michigan Congressman John Conyers, who had received approval from Coretta Scott King, continued to reintroduce the legislation every year.
The Turning Point
In 1979, on the 50th anniversary of King's birth, the bill came to a vote in the House. Despite the backing of President Jimmy Carter and testimonials from Mrs. King, the bill was rejected by five votes. However, public support for the bill continued to grow, in no small part due to musician Stevie Wonder.
The Mack Attack
Stevie Wonder's 1980 album "Hotter Than July" featured the song "Happy Birthday," which served as an ode to King's vision and a rallying cry for recognition of his achievements. Wonder continued to spread his message with regular appearances alongside Coretta Scott King at rallies.
The Final Push
When the bill again made it to the house floor in 1983, fifteen years after King's murder, support was overwhelming. Working together, Coretta Scott King, the Congressional Black Caucus, and Stevie Wonder amassed a six million signature petition in favor of the holiday. The bill easily passed in the House with a vote of 338 to 90. After two days of debate, the bill passed in the Senate and President Ronald Reagan reluctantly agreed to sign it into law.
The Impact
Today, it is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities. King Day rituals began in Atlanta, with commemorative services held on January 15 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, which both Coretta Scott King and Ralph Abernathy attended. These events served as a template for federal holiday ceremonies.
Conclusion
The 15 year battle for a national holiday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a testament to the persistence and dedication of civil rights activists, led by Coretta Scott King, John Conyers, and Stevie Wonder. The legacy of King lives on through the holiday, which serves as a reminder of his fight for justice and equality.
