'Dr. King Knew That It Wasn’t Enough Just To Talk The Talk'

Signed into law in January 1983 by U.S. President Ronald Reagan, the national Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday is a celebration of King’s contribution to his country and humanity. 

"The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America," Coretta Scott King wrote of her husband's legacy. "We commemorate as well the timeless values he taught us through his example - the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King’s character and empowered his leadership. On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit."

Read Coretta Scott King's full letter. 

Learn more:

• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site

• Making of The King Holiday: A Chronology