Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on January 19, 2026, is a U.S. federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the Civil Rights Movement who advocated for racial equality through nonviolent protest.
Celebrated on the third Monday of January, near Dr. King’s January 15 birthday, the holiday recognizes his role in advancing civil rights, including his leadership during the Montgomery Bus Boycott and his 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech.
It is also recognized as a National Day of Service, encouraging Americans to volunteer and support their communities in the spirit of Dr. King’s work.
