On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed into law H.R. 3706, designating the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. a national holiday. The day is recognized on the third Monday of January and declared each year by Presidential Proclamation in honor of Dr. King and his leadership in civic justice and racial equality.
In his 2016 Proclamation, President Barack Obama stated:
Dr. King recognized that, as a country built on the foundation of self-governance, our success rested on engaging ordinary citizens in the work of securing our birthright liberties. Together, with countless unsung heroes equally committed to the idea that America is a constant work in progress, he heeded the call etched into our founding documents nearly two centuries before his time, marching and sacrificing for the idea of a fair, just, and inclusive society. By preaching his dream of a day when his children would be judged by the content of their character — rather than by the color of their skin — he helped awaken our Nation to the bitter truth that basic justice for all had not yet been realized. And in his efforts, he peaceably yet forcefully demonstrated that it is not enough to only have equal protection under the law, but also that equal opportunity for all of our Nation’s children is necessary so that they can shape their own destinies.
For more information about Dr. King’s legacy, search the resources available through the University Libraries catalog. Please visit the Law Library to see the MLK display, or search Penn State’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration site for information on events, Educational Equity, and Getting Involved.