In November 1983 President Reagan signed legislation creating the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. The newly created legislation marked the end of a nationwide lobbying effort that had been ongoing for 15 years.

King is the only American besides George Washington to have a national holiday designated for his birthday (others, such as Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson have been celebrated in some states but not nationwide).

To learn about the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., please visit The King Center.

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