Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday that commemorates the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, near the time of King's birthday on January 15th.
The holiday was established to honor King's work in the civil rights movement, which included leading the historic Montgomery bus boycott and delivering his famous "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made in the fight for racial equality and to continue working towards a more just and equitable society. It is also a time to honor the contributions of all those who have worked towards creating a more inclusive and diverse world.
Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, and assassinated on April 4, 1968.
His legacy continues today, not just through a national holiday but importantly through the work of these nonprofits and countless others that continue to fight for racial equality and justice in America.
The King Center is a non-profit organization founded by Coretta Scott King in 1968 to perpetuate the legacy and ideals of her husband, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
The organization is located in Atlanta, Georgia, and its mission is to promote a more just and peaceful world through nonviolence and education. The King Center is home to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and several other landmarks, including the Tomb of Martin Luther King Jr., Freedom Hall, and the King Library and Archives.
The organization also hosts educational programs and events, such as the Annual King Holiday Observance and Parade, to teach about the Civil Rights Movement and the work of Martin Luther King Jr.
Facing History and Ourselves is a nonprofit organization that provides educational resources and professional development to teachers, students, and community members around the world. It was founded in 1976 and is based in Brookline, Massachusetts. The organization works to engage students in learning about history, particularly the Holocaust, and to encourage them to think critically about issues of racism, prejudice, and social responsibility. Facing History and Ourselves offers a range of resources and programs, including teacher professional development workshops, classroom materials, online courses, and student programs. Its mission is to help people of all ages develop the knowledge, skills, and values they need to be responsible and engaged members of their communities.
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) is a nonprofit organization that works to advance civil rights and racial justice through litigation, advocacy, and education. It was founded in 1940 as the legal arm of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and it has a long history of fighting for the rights of African Americans and other marginalized communities.
LDF has played a key role in many of the most significant civil rights cases in the United States, including Brown v. Board of Education, which struck down segregation in public schools, and the recent case of Fisher v. University of Texas, which upheld the use of affirmative action in higher education. In addition to its work in the courts, LDF also engages in legislative and policy advocacy, and it runs educational programs to promote civil rights and racial justice.
The National Civil Rights Museum is a complex of museums and historic buildings in Memphis, Tennessee, that document the history of the civil rights movement in the United States. The museum is built around the former Lorraine Motel, where civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
The museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the civil rights movement and exploring the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the United States. It features exhibits on the history of slavery, segregation, and the civil rights movement, as well as a memorial to Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders. The museum also hosts events, lectures, and educational programs to promote understanding and dialogue about issues of race and civil rights.
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is a nonprofit organization that is based in the United States. It was founded in 1971 by Morris Dees and Joseph J. Levin Jr. The organization is known for its work in monitoring and combating hate groups and other extremist organizations.
It also promotes civil rights and social justice through legal action, education, and public policy initiatives. The SPLC is based in Montgomery, Alabama and has a number of offices located throughout the United States.
STRIVE is a nonprofit organization and national leader in helping those facing the biggest societal barriers to employment obtain the training and support they need to build careers.
Their flagship program, Career Path, helps students with learning occupational skills and earn certifications that aid in earning employment.
The National Black Women's Justice Institute (NBWJI) is a research and policy organization that focuses on the unique experiences and needs of Black women and girls in the justice system. NBWJI works to eliminate racial and gender disparities in the criminal justice system and promote justice, equity, and healing for Black women and girls.
Some of the issues that NBWJI focuses on include police violence, mass incarceration, and reproductive justice. The organization conducts research, provides technical assistance and training, and advocates for policy changes at the local, state, and national levels.
Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989 by Bryan Stevenson, a lawyer and social justice advocate. EJI is based in Montgomery, Alabama and works to challenge racial and economic injustice, particularly in the criminal justice system. EJI provides legal representation to people who have been wrongly convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state and federal prisons.
The organization also works to end mass incarceration, the death penalty, and excessive punishment in the United States. EJI has played a key role in advocating for reforms to the criminal justice system and in raising awareness about the issues it addresses.
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