As most working American’s take a day off to “chill.” We must be reminded that this day is celebrating the legacy of one of the greatest orators and civil rights leaders that ever lived Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Who, notably, is the only non-president with a federal holiday named in his honor. Ironically, this day is the same day that America’s incoming Executive In Chief is sworn in.

All previous instances involved second-term inaugurations, with only one being an official swearing-in event. Donald Trump’s second inauguration would mark the fourth occurrence.

Ronald Reagan took the oath of office on Sunday, January 20, 1985, but held Inauguration Day events on January 21, which coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In 1983, On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law, designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The legislation to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first introduced just four days after his assassination on April 4, 1968. Still, it took 15 years of persistence by civil rights activists for the holiday to be approved by the federal government and an additional 17 years for it to be recognized in all 50 states. Today, it is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities.

Barack Obama’s second-term inauguration fell on Monday, January 21, 2013, coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The official swearing-in occurred the day before, on Sunday, January 20. That year, Obama used the Bible that once belonged to Dr. King during the ceremony. To honor King’s legacy, President Obama issued a proclamation recognizing the federal holiday for King’s birthday and encouraged Americans to pay tribute through acts of service.

President Obama highlighted Dr. King’s bravery and determination in his fight for equality, urging the nation to reflect on his remarkable life and lasting impact. He emphasized that to truly honor Dr. King’s legacy, we must continue working toward building a better and more just America.

We have more to do to bring Dr. King’s dream within reach of all our daughters and sons. We must stand together for good jobs, fair wages, safe neighborhoods, and quality education. With one voice, we must ensure the scales of justice work equally for all — considering not only how justice is applied, but also how it is perceived and experienced. As Dr. King told us, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” and this remains our great unfinished business…read full proclamation here.

Bill Clinton is the only president who was sworn in and took the oath of office on MLK Day, starting his second term on Monday, Jan. 20, 1997.

Ironically, some Americans are still plagued with these same issues—equality, good jobs, fair wages, safe neighborhoods, and quality education today. Even the NFL took to social media honoring Dr. King’s legacy and expressing their concerns for this country’s future…see here.

As Dr. King so eloquently said… “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. ”

And as the apostle Paul so penned… Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are  lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8 NKJV)

As a nation let’s think on these things and on this day of “service”, how we can better serve our communities which in essence will help us to better serve the people of this nation making it a better nation for all.

Other topics on Dr. King that might interest you:

• Ten Inspirational Quotes By Dr. M.L.King, Jr.
• Some Interesting Notes About Dr. King

Thank you all so much for your continued readership and support. Until next week…Blessings and Peace!

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