Celebrating Black History Month.
Sharing little facts about some of our inspirational leaders.

1968:
Martin Luther King, Jr. assassinated; Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., introduces legislation for federal holiday to commemorate King
1973
Illinois is first state to adopt MLK Day as a state holiday
1983
Congress passes, President Reagan signs, legislation creating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 1986 Federal MLK holiday goes into effect
1987
Arizona governor Evan Mecham rescinds MLK Day as his first act in office, setting off a boycott of the state.
1989
State MLK holiday adopted in 44 states
1991
The NFL moves the 1993 Super Bowl site from Phoenix, Ariz., to Pasadena, Calif., because of the MLK Day boycott.
1992
Arizona citizens vote to enact MLK Day. The Super Bowl is held in Tempe, Ariz. in 1996.
1993
For the first time, MLK Day is held in some form—sometimes under a different name, and not always as a paid state holiday—in all fifty states.
1999
New Hampshire becomes the last state to adopt MLK Day as a paid state holiday, replacing its optional Civil Rights Day.
2000
Utah becomes the last state to recognize MLK Day by name, renaming its Human Rights Day state holiday.
South Carolina becomes the last state to make MLK Day a paid holiday for all state employees. Until now, employees could choose between celebrating it or one of three Confederate-related holidays.
About the author: Owner of JamericanSpice. Sharing my journey in the present, from the past or thoughts for my future. Mom of two who loves to travel and read and decipher people.


What an interesting timeline of events!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this history lesson-you really do learn something everyday :)