1. Commemorating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 - 1968) Miami-Dade County Public Schools

2. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. The day is also designated as a national day of service. This holiday celebrates the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a minister, social activist, and influential American civil rights leader. Dr. King is most well-known for his nonviolent efforts to promote racial equality and to end racial segregation in the United States. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2015

3. Through marches, boycotts, sit-ins, and other peaceful protests, Dr. King sought social change, equality, and justice for all, especially African Americans and the economically disadvantaged. He was the inspiration and leader for important events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington. His work helped bring about such historic laws as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

4. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a "day on, not a day off." The MLK Day of Service provides the opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through community service. It empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community. In November, 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day.