What president made Martin Luther King a holiday?

President Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law that established Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday.

The Establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The journey to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a federal holiday was a decades-long effort, beginning shortly after his assassination. It involved persistent advocacy, numerous legislative attempts, and widespread public support.

Key Milestones in the Creation of MLK Day

The path to making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday spanned over fifteen years:

• 1968: A bill proposing a federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. was first introduced in Congress, just days after his assassination. This marked the beginning of the legislative process.
• 1983: After significant public pressure, including a petition with six million signatures, and various legislative attempts, the bill finally passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
• November 2, 1983: President Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law at a White House Rose Garden ceremony. This act officially designated the third Monday in January as a federal holiday in observance of Dr. King's birthday.
• January 20, 1986: The first federal observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day took place.

The Significance of the Holiday

The establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day was a landmark achievement, commemorating the life and legacy of a pivotal leader in the American Civil Rights Movement. It serves as a day for reflection on Dr. King's principles of nonviolence, racial equality, and social justice, and encourages acts of community service.

For more information on the history of this federal holiday, you can refer to sources like Business Insider's article on When, How Martin Luther King Jr. Day Became a Federal Holiday.

Timeline of MLK Day's Creation