Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Timeline

2000

Unity

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was observed by all 50 states for the first time. Prior to this, some states resisted observing the holiday, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays.

1986

The first day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was observed for the very first time.

1980

Stevie Wonder calls for action

Stevie Wonder released "Happy Birthday," a song in which he not only celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, but also lamenting the fact that anyone would oppose the idea of a Dr. King holiday: "I just never understood, how a man who died for good, could not have a day that would, be set aside for his recognition."