Martin Luther King Jr. Festivities in San Diego

Martin Luther King Day takes place on Monday, January 16, 2012.

Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader. He is most well-known for his campaigns to end racial segregation on public transport and for racial equality in the United States.

Martin Luther King was an important civil rights activist. He was a leader in the movement to end racial segregation in the United States. His most famous address was the “I Have A Dream” speech. He was an advocate of non-violent protest and became the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was assassinated in 1968.

In 1968, shortly after Martin Luther King died, a campaign was started for his birthday to become a holiday to honor him. After the first bill was introduced, trade unions lead the campaign for the federal holiday. It was endorsed in 1976. Following support from the musician Stevie Wonder with his single “Happy Birthday” and a petition with six million signatures, the bill became law in 1983. Martin Luther King Day was first observed in 1986, although it was not observed in all states until the year 2000.

Since Martin Luther King Day is a relatively new federal holiday, there are few long standing traditions. It is seen as a day to promote equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their background. Some educational establishments mark the day by teaching their pupils or students about the work of Martin Luther King and the struggle against racial segregation and racism. In recent years, federal legislation has encouraged Americans to give some of their time on this day as volunteers in citizen action groups.

San Diego will be honoring Martin Luther King Jr. with several events throughout the weekend.

On Friday, January 13, come to the San Diego YMCA for the 27th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity Award Breakfast. See who receives this year’s Human Dignity Award and listen to special guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Arthur Cribbs, Jr. The event lasts from 6:30-9am – make sure to reserve a table in advance, as it will sell out!

On Sunday, January 15, be sure to check out the 32^nd Annual Martin Luther King Day Parade. Starting at 2pm on Harbor Drive at the Embarcadero, witness dazzling floats, soulful High School Bands, Drill Teams, Colleges, Fraternities, Churches, Organizations, Peace and Youth groups marching and showcasing their talents. This is one of the largest celebrations of its kind in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States!

On Monday, January 16, join diverse San Diego faith communities in hands-on volunteer service at Morley Field in Balboa Park. Celebrate King Day as a Day On (not a day off), clearing and hauling brush, mulching and planting, starting at 9am. After the hard work, enjoy a picnic and concert with your fellow volunteers. For more information, click here.

Most MTS public transit routes will be running on a regular weekday schedule on Martin Luther King Day. Check their website for any changes in bus schedules.