Why Is Dr Martin Luther King Day Not On His Birthday? Was Martin Luther King Day His Birthday?

The original day for the celebration and remembrance of American activist, Martin Luther King is every third Monday in January. This year, it would be celebrated on the 17th of January, a few days after what would have marked a post-humors birthday for him.

Born in Atlanta Georgia, United States on the 15th of January, 1929, Dr. Martin Luther King is remembered for leading the American Civil Rights Movement from 1955 to 1968. The historical legend advocated the use of a non-violent approach in the fight against racial discrimination.

His first contact with prominence was during a boycott held by African Americans in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955.

After his assassination in Tennesse, United States, in 1968, the American government received calls for a federal holiday in honor of the memory of Martin Luther King.

The legislation for the federal holiday was introduced in Congress four days after his assassination, marking the start of an informal commemoration to honor the life of Martin Luther. This is the major reason Martin Luther King Day is not on his birthday. Although the holiday sometimes falls on Martin Luther’s birthday, depending on the calendar.

The holiday is seen as a day to promote equal rights for all Americans.