Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 will mark the 40th observance of the federal holiday in honor of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.
It was in November 1983 that President Ronald Reagan, after considerable hesitation, signed the bill into law, making the third Monday in January a national holiday in commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. King. Indeed, it took a great deal of popular pressure to nudge the Congress to support the federal holiday measure in honor of King, which was generated largely by Stevie Wonder, who expressed his sentiments in a song that included these lyrics: “I just never understood how a man who died for good could not have a day that would be set aside for his recognition.”
Since 1986, on the third Monday in January, the nation has honored the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a legacy that, to many people, exemplifies greatness. Dr. King was truly a man who inspired a life of action, who as a 26-year-old preacher in 1955, became one of the organizers and leaders of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, protesting segregated seating on the city buses. According to Dr. King, “the greatness of America is the right to protest for right.”
Following the bus boycott, Dr. King was on his way to becoming the conscience of the nation, striking a blow for what was right. While confronting hate and bigotry, segregation and discrimination, Dr. King had no problem speaking truth to power and did so with oratorical eloquence. In the words of a popular song, “he showed himself mighty, he showed himself strong.” Also, in the historical tradition of Black preachers and Black religious leaders in America, Dr. King dedicated his life to the betterment of Blacks in America, thinking that “the time is always right to what is right.”
Today, as we reflect on Dr. King’s enduring legacy, let’s become inspired by the fact that as a private citizen, King was fulfilling a noble responsibility — engaging in public protest to make America better. Believing that “our lives begin and end the day we become silent about things that matter,” Dr. King had a keen desire and commitment to improve our communities as he became the embodiment of Black protest and sacrifice. With so much happening now, let’s make this the time to decide what matters to us is to protect our democracy, which has been under constant attack by the current occupant at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C. during his first year of a second term.
As we continue to push our country toward its highest ideals, with a sense of unwavering hope, I am reminded of my favorite King quote: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Let’s not give up the struggle. And thank you Dr. King for your sacrifice.